Iowa · Off-grid & homestead potential

Des Moines County

63BoltScore / 100
#55 of 99 in Iowa

Des Moines County is a solid bolthole (63/100). Its strengths are decent rainfall (38.2″/yr) and low extraction and seizure exposure.

How Des Moines County scores

Hazard Safety44
Freedom57
Food65
Isolation52
Sovereignty73
Water81
Affordability68
$150kTypical home
1.5%Property tax
$7,802Land / acre
38.2"Annual rain
5.7% of yrsSevere drought
55 miNearest metro
91.9People / sq mi
8.6%Federal land
51.1°FAvg temp

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Living off-grid in Des Moines County, Iowa

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

Des Moines County is a solid bolthole (63/100). Its strengths: decent rainfall (38.2″/yr) and low extraction and seizure exposure.

How much does land cost in Des Moines County, Iowa?

Land in Des Moines County runs about $7,802 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Des Moines County?

Des Moines County gets about 38.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 5.7% of years.

How remote is Des Moines County?

The nearest major metro is about 55 miles away, and population density is 91.9 people per square mile.

How Des Moines compares in Iowa

See all 99 Iowa counties ranked →