North Carolina · Off-grid & homestead potential

Swain County

55BoltScore / 100
#76 of 100 in North Carolina

Swain County is a solid bolthole (55/100). Its strengths are abundant rainfall (64.6″/yr) with little drought and strong economic & personal freedom (59% Republican). The trade-offs: 71.4% of it owned by the federal government and pricey real estate (typical home $328k).

How Swain County scores

Hazard Safety51
Freedom61
Food54
Isolation50
Sovereignty36
Water97
Affordability38
$328kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$10,139Land / acre
64.6"Annual rain
4.4% of yrsSevere drought
38 miNearest metro
26.4People / sq mi
71.4%Federal land
52.2°FAvg temp

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Living off-grid in Swain County, North Carolina

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

Swain County is a solid bolthole (55/100). Its strengths: abundant rainfall (64.6″/yr) with little drought and strong economic & personal freedom (59% Republican). Watch-outs: 71.4% of it owned by the federal government and pricey real estate (typical home $328k).

How much does land cost in Swain County, North Carolina?

Land in Swain County runs about $10,139 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Swain County?

Swain County gets about 64.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4.4% of years.

How remote is Swain County?

The nearest major metro is about 38 miles away, and population density is 26.4 people per square mile.

How Swain compares in North Carolina

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