South Dakota · Off-grid & homestead potential

Harding County

72BoltScore / 100
#17 of 66 in South Dakota

Harding County is a strong bolthole (72/100). Its strengths are deep isolation — 244 mi to the nearest city and low natural-disaster risk. The trade-offs: a short, cold growing season (44.1°F avg).

How Harding County scores

Hazard Safety98
Freedom90
Food20
Isolation100
Sovereignty72
Water44
Affordability83
$260kTypical home
0.9%Property tax
$1,006Land / acre
16"Annual rain
19.1% of yrsSevere drought
244 miNearest metro
0.5People / sq mi
6.1%Federal land
44.1°FAvg temp

Scout Harding County

⛺Camp here before you commitBook a few nights nearby on Hipcamp →
Land for sale LandWatchHomes for sale Zillow

Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Living off-grid in Harding County, South Dakota

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

Harding County is a strong bolthole (72/100). Its strengths: deep isolation — 244 mi to the nearest city and low natural-disaster risk. Watch-outs: a short, cold growing season (44.1°F avg).

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

Land in Harding County runs about $1,006 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Harding County?

Harding County gets about 16" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 19.1% of years.

How remote is Harding County?

The nearest major metro is about 244 miles away, and population density is 0.5 people per square mile.

How Harding compares in South Dakota

See all 66 South Dakota counties ranked →