Map Shows States Where Most Americans Are Homesteading

As society makes technological advancements and gets ever-more sophisticated, many Americans are opting to return to the basics and embracing homesteading, as they seek to find a balance between modern and traditional lifestyles.

Homesteading is a way of life that focuses on self-sufficiency and sustainable living. It involves growing food through subsistence agriculture, preserving food at home, and the small-scale production of textiles, clothing and crafts for personal use or sale. Homesteaders also often generate their own electricity through renewable resources.

Newsweek has created a map, using data gathered by the World Population Review, to show the places where most Americans are homesteading and where some of the best locations are.

Iowa offers fertile soil, affordable land and a strong agricultural tradition. With ample rainfall and supportive farming communities, Iowa provides an ideal environment for growing crops and raising livestock. Additionally, the state’s moderate property taxes and low cost of living make it a suitable and attractive location for homesteaders.

Known for its vast open spaces and low population density, Wyoming is another excellent choice. Lenient state regulations on building and land use offer flexibility for those looking to establish a homestead. Wyoming’s climate supports farming activities, although winters are harsh.

Idaho combines beautiful landscapes with a supportive agricultural network. The state’s climates allow for farming practices, from high-altitude gardening to river valley agriculture. Idaho also boasts affordable land prices and a growing community of homesteaders.

Oregon offers lush landscapes and strong organic farming, making it an ideal fit for homesteaders. However, prospective residents should be aware of Oregon’s higher property prices and cost of living compared to other areas.

Missouri has affordable land and favorable growing conditions. The central location ensures a balanced climate with sufficient rainfall and a long growing season. Missouri’s homesteading communities are well-established, providing a network of support and resources for newcomers.

Karmin Garrison, editor-in-chief at Mother Earth News and Grit magazines, told Newsweek there are many factors in choosing why and how to homestead.

“Knowing general growing climates, water restrictions, and cost of living, as well as actual space, much of the Southern U.S. is ideal for off-grid living, though the West Coast also has much to offer.

“People are looking for their “roots” and simply to be able to provide for themselves and their family. Groceries are high, bills are high, and the cost of living is high. It’s expensive to live. All said and done, when you factor in time, water bills, and feed bills, it ends up being cheaper (and many people seem to find it more fulfilling) to grow your food, assuming where you choose to be doesn’t have restrictions.

“People seem to want to get in touch with their ancestors and to have their lifestyle match their ideals. Many of us find satisfaction in growing and raising our food, building our homes and other bits and bobs we need, making our clothing, and all things that go along with the off-grid lifestyle. Often, we find the simpler lifestyle to be more comfortable.”

In terms of which states have the highest amounts of people living the lifestyle, Montana has 151,600 homesteads, followed by North Dakota with 118,472, and Colorado with 107,618.

Rounding out the top, Nebraska has 104,260 homesteads, and there are 99,557 in Oklahoma.

Homesteading is different from rural village or commune living in isolation. Unlike communal rural living, homesteading typically involves the social or physical isolation of the homestead, allowing for a greater degree of independence.

This way of life varies across cultures and emphasizes self-reliance and sustainable practices. Some homesteaders try not to use money and prefer to barter. Others provide as much as they can for themselves, but might still spend money and work for a monthly paycheck.

Contemporary homesteaders are more likely to combine traditional and modern practices to create a diverse lifestyle.

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