South Dakota · Off-grid & homestead potential

Mellette County

76BoltScore / 100
#4 of 66 in South Dakota

Mellette County is a strong bolthole (76/100). Its strengths are deep isolation — 200 mi to the nearest city and cheap land ($1,213/acre). The trade-offs: middling conditions for growing food.

How Mellette County scores

Hazard Safety95
Freedom76
Food30
Isolation100
Sovereignty78
Water54
Affordability100
Typical home
1.5%Property tax
$1,213Land / acre
20.8"Annual rain
11.2% of yrsSevere drought
200 miNearest metro
1.4People / sq mi
0%Federal land
48.3°FAvg temp

Scout Mellette County

Camp here before you commitBook a few nights nearby on Hipcamp →
Land for sale LandWatchHomes for sale Zillow

Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Living off-grid in Mellette County, South Dakota

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

Mellette County is a strong bolthole (76/100). Its strengths: deep isolation — 200 mi to the nearest city and cheap land ($1,213/acre). Watch-outs: middling conditions for growing food.

How much does land cost in Mellette County, South Dakota?

Land in Mellette County runs about $1,213 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Mellette County?

Mellette County gets about 20.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 11.2% of years.

How remote is Mellette County?

The nearest major metro is about 200 miles away, and population density is 1.4 people per square mile.

How Mellette compares in South Dakota

See all 66 South Dakota counties ranked →