New Mexico · Off-grid & homestead potential

McKinley County

46BoltScore / 100
#24 of 33 in New Mexico

McKinley County is a marginal bolthole (46/100). Its strengths are cheap to buy into (typical home $221k) and real distance from any metro (84 mi). The trade-offs: elevated natural-hazard exposure and poor cropland soil.

How McKinley County scores

Hazard Safety22
Freedom37
Food22
Isolation71
Sovereignty61
Water23
Affordability88
$221kTypical home
1.9%Property tax
$605Land / acre
11.2"Annual rain
46% of yrsSevere drought
84 miNearest metro
12.6People / sq mi
13.3%Federal land
49.7°FAvg temp

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Living off-grid in McKinley County, New Mexico

Is McKinley County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

McKinley County is a marginal bolthole (46/100). Its strengths: cheap to buy into (typical home $221k) and real distance from any metro (84 mi). Watch-outs: elevated natural-hazard exposure and poor cropland soil.

How much does land cost in McKinley County, New Mexico?

Land in McKinley County runs about $605 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in McKinley County?

McKinley County gets about 11.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 46% of years.

How remote is McKinley County?

The nearest major metro is about 84 miles away, and population density is 12.6 people per square mile.

How McKinley compares in New Mexico

See all 33 New Mexico counties ranked →