Bolthole Index

Bolthole Index · Oregon

Best Places to Live in Oregon

Every Oregon county scored on the Bolthole Index for seclusion, self-sufficiency, administrative boringness, durability, property autonomy, and carry cost. Union County leads at 71/100. Use the rankings to compare counties by score, factor strength, and local constraints.

Nationally, Oregon ranks #34 for homesteading and #35 for off-grid living.

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Counties by Index Score

    Off-grid & homestead laws in Oregon

    How Oregon treats the things that matter for living off-grid or homesteading. State law also feeds each county’s admin, autonomy, and carry factors; rules often vary by county.

    General guidance, not legal advice. Off-grid, building, and land-use rules are often set at the county level and change often. Verify with your county and state before acting. Data reviewed 2026-06-26.

    All 36 Oregon counties, ranked

    1. 1Union County71
    2. 2Umatilla County68
    3. 3Jefferson County65
    4. 4Polk County65
    5. 5Morrow County63
    6. 6Klamath County63
    7. 7Benton County63
    8. 8Baker County62
    9. 9Wallowa County62
    10. 10Crook County62
    11. 11Wasco County62
    12. 12Lane County62
    13. 13Coos County62
    14. 14Douglas County61
    15. 15Columbia County61
    16. 16Jackson County60
    17. 17Lincoln County60
    18. 18Grant County59
    19. 19Tillamook County58
    20. 20Curry County57
    21. 21Yamhill County57
    22. 22Josephine County56
    23. 23Clatsop County56
    24. 24Hood River County55
    25. 25Deschutes County54
    26. 26Wheeler County54
    27. 27Linn County53
    28. 28Lake County51
    29. 29Washington County50
    30. 30Marion County47
    31. 31Clackamas County44
    32. 32Harney County41
    33. 33Malheur County40
    34. 34Multnomah County38
    35. 35Sherman County38
    36. 36Gilliam County36

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