Top 12 States to Start a Homestead
If you are trying to start a homestead, and become more self-sufficient in life, the state you currently live in may not be aiding you in that pursuit.
We are some of those people, but we are traveling all across the country, in our RV, searching for the place that we want to plant our roots.
I have to say, before we started this journey, I had completely misjudged several states.
So, to help erase those misjudgments and narrow down the list of the top homesteading states, I sat down and judged each state to find out what state was truly beneficial for homesteading.
I came up with four different criteria to judge states on, plus some bonus items that would make our lives in those states a little easier.
First off, the length of the growing season is important. I want to be able to grow as much of our own food as possible, and a longer growing season gives me a greater opportunity to do that.
Second, the amount of rainfall a state receives can either make a garden easier or harder. A state that gets more rainfall means that my plants get more water without me having to stand out there with a garden hose, and I really don’t want to spend my life constantly watering my plants.
Third, can I catch that rainfall to use as water in my garden in between rainstorms? The ability to catch rain and utilize it about our homestead would greatly increase our ability to be self-sustainable. Howver, some states have crazy strict regulations on rain catchement.
Fourth, does the state have gun-friendly laws? As homesteaders, we will be living on rural property, at least somewhat isolated from society. The need to be able to protect ourselves and discharge our firearms during our homesteading practices is important to us. Plus, we are firm believers in our 2nd amendment rights, and living in a state that does not support that is very unappealing to us. To determine if the state has gun-friendly laws, I judged them on 3 different aspects. Is a permit required to purchase a firearm? Does it have a castle doctrine law in place? (Castle doctrine laws allow for you to protect your home, family, and anyone that may be in your home from an intruder, without retreating.) Lastly, can you open carry without a permit?
These four items were really non-negotiable for us, but they are not the only important criteria we are considering. So, I have some bonus criteria that really help narrow down what states fit our family’s needs.
The bonus criteria are:
No Income Tax- While this does not make it or break it for us, not having to pay in a state income tax is pretty appealing, especially since I work out of multiple states.
Low Property Taxes- Low property taxes are a major bonus since we are looking at 20+ acres of land. In some states that amount of land may cost you $3,000 a year in taxes and in other states only $300 a year. I would much prefer the lesser of the two amounts.
Homestead Declaration- Some states allow for a homestead declaration to be enacted. A homestead declaration would offer some protection for your homestead against debt. For example, if you have a car accident and killed while owing $10,000 to a bank, will that bank be able to take your homestead to pay off your debt? With a homestead declaration, the answer may be no. The amount of protection you would have depends on your state regulations, but that extra peace of mind is worth a bonus point in my book.
Homeschool laws- I have big dreams of homeschooling my son. I want to offer him a more personalized schooling experience and really instill in him a love of learning. The homeschool laws for each state are very important to me. I want to know if they are strict in regulating how I teach my son, or will I have to submit him for testing? Will I be required to teach him certain subjects or have greater flexibility?
Notice that things like great soil did not make it on my list of things to judge a state on? I chose to leave it off because soil health is something you can always amend or you can build raised beds.
Instead, I chose to focus on items that are not something you can easily workaround.
What are the top 12 states to start a homestead?
I have to say this list completely surprised me.
Mississippi is the number one top homestead-friendly state. I did not see that one coming, but I think even more surprising is Hawaii coming in as the second-best homesteading state.
Notice, Texas did not even make the top 12?
I am telling you, this list blew me away!
Keep reading for how the points were awarded and to find out what your
state scored on this point system.
How were the points awarded?
I have broken down how each item was awarded points so that you can customize the point system to fit the needs of your family. I am also including the links I used for my information down in the references section. Length of the growing season- 1 Point for every 30 days in a growing season.
Rain average per year- 1 point for every 10 inches of rain the state averages per year.
Rainwater Collection Practices- 3 Points for no regulations preventing rainwater collection. 2 Points for a few regulations. 1 Point for strict regulations. 0 Points if regulations only allow for corporations or governmental collection.
Gun Friendly Laws- 1 Point for no gun permits required. 1 Point for open carry allowed. 1 Point for Castle Doctrine.
Bonus Points given to states with no income tax (1 point), low property taxes (1 point), Homestead Declaration allowed (1 Point for having it), and homeschool-friendly laws (1 point for low regulation and 2 points for no regulations).
Alabama
Length of Growing Season- 7 Points
Average Rain Fall- 5 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 2 Points
Bonus Points-
Property tax- 1 Point
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws- 1 Point
Total Points Awarded: 20
Alaska
Length of Growing Season- 4 Points
Average Rain Fall- 2 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 3 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax- 1 Point
Property tax
Homestead declaration
Homeschool friendly laws- 2 Points
Total Points Awarded: 15
Arizona
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 1 Point
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 3 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax- 1 Point
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws- 1 Point
Total Points Awarded: 16
Arkansas
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 4 Points
Rainwater Collection- 2 Points
Gun friendly laws- 2 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax- 1 Point
Property tax
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws- 2 Points
Total Points Awarded: 17
California
Length of Growing Season- 8 Points
Average Rain Fall- 2 Points
Rainwater Collection- 2 Points
Gun friendly laws- 0 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax- 1 Point
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws- 1 Point
Total Points Awarded: 15
Colorado
Length of Growing Season- 5 Points
Average Rain Fall- 1 Point
Rainwater Collection- 1 Point
Gun friendly laws- 1 Point
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax- 1 Point
Homestead declaration
Homeschool friendly laws
Total Points Awarded: 9
Connecticut
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 5 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 1 Point
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax
Homestead declaration
Homeschool friendly laws- 1 Point
Total Points Awarded: 16
Delaware
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 4 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 1 Point
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax- 1 Point
Homestead declaration
Homeschool friendly laws- 2 Points
Total Points Awarded: 17
Florida
Length of Growing Season- 8 Points
Average Rain Fall- 5 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 2 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax- 1 Point
Property tax- 1 Point
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws
Total Points Awarded: 21
Georgia
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 5 Points
Rainwater Collection- 1 Point
Gun friendly laws- 3 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax- 1 Point
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws- 1 Point
Total Points Awarded: 18
Hawaii
Length of Growing Season- 12 Points
Average Rain Fall- 5 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 0 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax- 1 Point (Hawaii has the lowest property tax in the USA)
Homestead declaration
Homeschool friendly laws- 1 Point
Total Points Awarded: 22
Idaho
Length of Growing Season- 5 Points
Average Rain Fall- 1 Point
Rainwater Collection- 2 Points
Gun friendly laws- 3 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax- 1 Point
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws- 2 Points
Total Points Awarded: 14
Illinois
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 3 Points
Rainwater Collection- 1 Point
Gun friendly laws- 0 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws- 1 Point
Total Points Awarded: 12
Indiana
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 4 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 2 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax- 1 Point
Homestead declaration
Homeschool friendly laws- 1 Point
Total Points Awarded: 17
Iowa
Length of Growing Season- 5 Points
Average Rain Fall- 3 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 0 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax
Homestead declaration
Homeschool friendly laws- 1 Point
Total Points Awarded: 12
Kansas
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 3 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 3 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws- 1 Point
Total Points Awarded: 17
Kentucky
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 4 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 3 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax-
Homestead declaration
Homeschool friendly laws-1 Point
Total Points Awarded: 17
Louisiana
Length of Growing Season- 8 Points
Average Rain Fall- 5 Points
Rainwater Collection- 2 Points
Gun friendly laws- 3 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax-
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws- 1 Point
Total Points Awarded: 20
Maine
Length of Growing Season- 4 Points
Average Rain Fall- 4 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 3 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax
Homestead declaration
Homeschool friendly laws- 1 Point
Total Points Awarded: 15
Maryland
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 4 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 1 Point
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax
Homestead declaration
Homeschool friendly laws- 1 Point
Total Points Awarded: 15
Massachusetts
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 4 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 0 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax
Homestead declaration
Homeschool friendly laws
Total Points Awarded: 13
Michigan
Length of Growing Season- 5 Points
Average Rain Fall- 3 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 1 Point
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws- 2 Points
Total Points Awarded: 15
Minnesota
Length of Growing Season- 4 Points
Average Rain Fall- 2 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 0 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws
Total Points Awarded: 10
Mississippi
Length of Growing Season- 8 Points
Average Rain Fall- 5 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 3 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax- 1 Point
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws- 2 Points
Total Points Awarded: 23
Missouri
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 4 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 3 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax- 1 Point
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws- 1 Point
Total Points Awarded: 19
Montana
Length of Growing Season- 4 Points
Average Rain Fall- 1 Point
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 3 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax- 1 Point
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws- 1 Point
Total Points Awarded: 14
Nebraska
Length of Growing Season- 4 Points
Average Rain Fall- 2 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 0 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax
Homestead declaration
Homeschool friendly laws- 1 Point
Total Points Awarded: 10
Nevada
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 0 Points
Rainwater Collection- 2 Points
Gun friendly laws- 3 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax- 1 Point
Property tax- 1 Point
Homestead declaration
Homeschool friendly laws- 1 Point
Total Points Awarded: 14
New Hampshire
Length of Growing Season- 4 Points
Average Rain Fall- 4 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 3 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax- 1 Point
Property tax
Homestead declaration
Homeschool friendly laws
Total Points Awarded: 15
New Jersey
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 4 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 0 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax
Homestead declaration
Homeschool friendly laws- 1 Point
Total Points Awarded: 14
New Mexico
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 1 Point
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 2 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax- 1 Point
Homestead declaration
Homeschool friendly laws- 1 Point
Total Points Awarded: 14
New York
Length of Growing Season- 5 Points
Average Rain Fall- 4 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 0 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax
Homestead declaration
Homeschool friendly laws
Total Points Awarded: 12
North Carolina
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 4 Points
Rainwater Collection- 2 Points
Gun friendly laws- 1 Point
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax- 1 Point
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws
Total Points Awarded: 15
North Dakota
Length of Growing Season- 4 Points
Average Rain Fall- 1 Point
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 3 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax- 1 Point
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws
Total Points Awarded: 13
Ohio
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 3 Points
Rainwater Collection- 2 Point
Gun friendly laws- 2 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws
Total Points Awarded: 14
Oklahoma
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 3 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 3 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax- 1 Point
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws- 2 Points
Total Points Awarded: 19
Oregon
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 4 Points
Rainwater Collection- 2 Points
Gun friendly laws- 2 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax- 1 Point
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws
Total Points Awarded: 16
Pennsylvania
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 4 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 2 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax
Homestead declaration
Homeschool friendly laws
Total Points Awarded: 15
Rhode Island
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 4 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 0 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax
Homestead declaration
Homeschool friendly laws- 1 Point
Total Points Awarded: 14
South Carolina
Length of Growing Season- 8 Points
Average Rain Fall- 4 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 2 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax- - 1 Point
Homestead declaration
Homeschool friendly laws
Total Points Awarded: 18
South Dakota
Length of Growing Season- 4 Points
Average Rain Fall- 2 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 2 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax- 1 Point
Property tax
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws
Total Points Awarded: 13
Tennessee
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 5 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 2 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax- 1 Point
Property tax- 1 Point
Homestead declaration
Homeschool friendly laws
Total Points Awarded: 18
Texas
Length of Growing Season- 7 Points
Average Rain Fall- 3 Points
Rainwater Collection- 1 Point
Gun friendly laws- 2 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax- 1 Point
Property tax
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws- 1 Point
Total Points Awarded: 16
Utah
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 1 Point
Rainwater Collection- 1 Point
Gun friendly laws- 2 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax- 1 Point
Homestead declaration
Homeschool friendly laws- 2 Points
Total Points Awarded: 13
Vermont
Length of Growing Season- 4 Points
Average Rain Fall- 4 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 2 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws
Total Points Awarded: 14
Virginia
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 4 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 2 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax- 1 Point
Homestead declaration
Homeschool friendly laws
Total Points Awarded: 16
Washington
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 3 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 2 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax- 1 Point
Property tax- 1 Point
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws
Total Points Awarded: 17
West Virginia
Length of Growing Season- 6 Points
Average Rain Fall- 4 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 3 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax- 1 Point
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws
Total Points Awarded: 18
Wisconsin
Length of Growing Season- 4 Points
Average Rain Fall- 3 Points
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 3 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax
Property tax
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws- 1 Point
Total Points Awarded: 15
Wyoming
Length of Growing Season- 4 Points
Average Rain Fall- 1 Point
Rainwater Collection- 3 Points
Gun friendly laws- 3 Points
Bonus Points-
Income tax- 1 Point
Property tax- 1 Point
Homestead declaration- 1 Point
Homeschool friendly laws- 1 Point
Total Points Awarded: 15
How did you state score on our list? Do you disagree with the rating or think there were other things we should have considered?
Let us know!
Comment below, email us, or contact us on social media.
We love hearing from you!
References:
https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/
https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/gardening/gardening-all-in-one-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/
http://www.usa.com/rank/us--average-precipitation--state-rank.htm
https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/states-where-it-is-illegal-to-collect-rainwater
https://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/state-gun-laws/
https://wallethub.com/edu/states-with-the-highest-and-lowest-property-taxes/11585
https://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/declaration-of-homestead-zmaz82jazgoe