South Dakota · Off-grid & homestead potential

Brown County

62BoltScore / 100
#57 of 66 in South Dakota

Brown County is a solid bolthole (62/100). Its strengths are deep isolation — 114 mi to the nearest city and strong economic & personal freedom (60% Republican). The trade-offs: elevated natural-hazard exposure and a short, cold growing season (43.2°F avg).

How Brown County scores

Hazard Safety26
Freedom77
Food33
Isolation83
Sovereignty72
Water67
Affordability72
$244kTypical home
1.2%Property tax
$4,295Land / acre
21.9"Annual rain
5.8% of yrsSevere drought
114 miNearest metro
22People / sq mi
24.8%Federal land
43.2°FAvg temp

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Living off-grid in Brown County, South Dakota

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

Brown County is a solid bolthole (62/100). Its strengths: deep isolation — 114 mi to the nearest city and strong economic & personal freedom (60% Republican). Watch-outs: elevated natural-hazard exposure and a short, cold growing season (43.2°F avg).

How much does land cost in Brown County, South Dakota?

Land in Brown County runs about $4,295 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Brown County?

Brown County gets about 21.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 5.8% of years.

How remote is Brown County?

The nearest major metro is about 114 miles away, and population density is 22 people per square mile.

How Brown compares in South Dakota

See all 66 South Dakota counties ranked →