California · Off-grid & homestead potential

San Mateo County

27BoltScore / 100
#49 of 58 in California

San Mateo County is a weak bolthole (27/100). Its strengths are low extraction and seizure exposure. The trade-offs: little isolation — a major metro is just 11 mi away and elevated natural-hazard exposure.

How San Mateo County scores

Hazard Safety1
Freedom24
Food36
Isolation0
Sovereignty70
Water52
Affordability3
$1609kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$12,311Land / acre
28.7"Annual rain
31.9% of yrsSevere drought
11 miNearest metro
1,619.1People / sq mi
4.6%Federal land
57.1°FAvg temp

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Living off-grid in San Mateo County, California

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

San Mateo County is a weak bolthole (27/100). Its strengths: low extraction and seizure exposure. Watch-outs: little isolation — a major metro is just 11 mi away and elevated natural-hazard exposure.

How much does land cost in San Mateo County, California?

Land in San Mateo County runs about $12,311 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in San Mateo County?

San Mateo County gets about 28.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 31.9% of years.

How remote is San Mateo County?

The nearest major metro is about 11 miles away, and population density is 1,619.1 people per square mile.

How San Mateo compares in California

See all 58 California counties ranked →