Idaho · Off-grid & homestead potential

Madison County

57BoltScore / 100
#21 of 44 in Idaho

Madison County is a solid bolthole (57/100). Its strengths are deep isolation — 205 mi to the nearest city and strong economic & personal freedom (79% Republican). The trade-offs: a short, cold growing season (42.8°F avg) and moderate natural-hazard risk.

How Madison County scores

Hazard Safety41
Freedom85
Food13
Isolation91
Sovereignty68
Water52
Affordability48
$419kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$5,444Land / acre
16"Annual rain
4.5% of yrsSevere drought
205 miNearest metro
116.2People / sq mi
27.5%Federal land
42.8°FAvg temp

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Living off-grid in Madison County, Idaho

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

Madison County is a solid bolthole (57/100). Its strengths: deep isolation — 205 mi to the nearest city and strong economic & personal freedom (79% Republican). Watch-outs: a short, cold growing season (42.8°F avg) and moderate natural-hazard risk.

How much does land cost in Madison County, Idaho?

Land in Madison County runs about $5,444 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Madison County?

Madison County gets about 16" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4.5% of years.

How remote is Madison County?

The nearest major metro is about 205 miles away, and population density is 116.2 people per square mile.

How Madison compares in Idaho

See all 44 Idaho counties ranked →