Colorado · Off-grid & homestead potential

Rio Grande County

48BoltScore / 100
#42 of 64 in Colorado

Rio Grande County is a marginal bolthole (48/100). Its strengths are deep isolation — 109 mi to the nearest city and strong economic & personal freedom (58% Republican). The trade-offs: a short, cold growing season (39.9°F avg) and arid land — only 14.4″ of rain a year, in severe drought 31.8% of years.

How Rio Grande County scores

Hazard Safety54
Freedom75
Food8
Isolation81
Sovereignty41
Water20
Affordability57
$327kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$5,672Land / acre
14.4"Annual rain
31.8% of yrsSevere drought
109 miNearest metro
12.3People / sq mi
59.7%Federal land
39.9°FAvg temp

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Living off-grid in Rio Grande County, Colorado

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

Rio Grande County is a marginal bolthole (48/100). Its strengths: deep isolation — 109 mi to the nearest city and strong economic & personal freedom (58% Republican). Watch-outs: a short, cold growing season (39.9°F avg) and arid land — only 14.4″ of rain a year, in severe drought 31.8% of years.

How much does land cost in Rio Grande County, Colorado?

Land in Rio Grande County runs about $5,672 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Rio Grande County?

Rio Grande County gets about 14.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 31.8% of years.

How remote is Rio Grande County?

The nearest major metro is about 109 miles away, and population density is 12.3 people per square mile.

How Rio Grande compares in Colorado

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