Consider multiple factors when selecting a location for your family homestead or bugout location (BOL); assess emerging threats.
Selecting a state for prepping or homesteading requires evaluating climate, natural resources, population density, infrastructure, and legal conditions. It is also necessary to consider past events and evolving threats that may impact long-term viability. Below is a review of U.S. states commonly chosen for these purposes, with analysis of conditions and risks relevant to preparedness. Get news and intel on emerging threats from the Grayman Briefing.
》Montana has low population density, communities supportive of off-grid living, and access to natural resources. It faces winter storms and wildfire conditions tied to drought and climate shifts. The state hosts numerous nuclear missile silos, which could make it a strategic target in a geopolitical conflict. Montana allows permitless open and concealed carry and imposes few firearm regulations, making it a favorable environment for armed self-defense and independence.
》Idaho offers fertile land, low living costs, and a culture that supports self-sufficiency. It is increasingly vulnerable to wildfires and water availability issues. Military installations within the state may increase its strategic value in the event of military conflict. Idaho permits constitutional carry and provides strong legal protections for gun ownership.
》Tennessee has a long growing season, low tax burden, and a productive agricultural environment. It is at risk for severe storms and tornadoes during spring and summer. Tennessee allows permitless carry and maintains limited restrictions on firearm possession, which supports self-defense and security planning in both urban and rural areas.
》Missouri offers affordable land and a central location suitable for crop production and logistics. Its proximity to the New Madrid Seismic Zone raises concerns about future high-magnitude earthquakes. Missouri is a constitutional carry state and restricts cooperation with federal firearm enforcement, supporting a pro-2nd Amendment stance that aligns with many preparedness priorities.
》Maine has access to fresh water, low population density, and favorable land use policies for homesteading. Its limitations include a short growing season and severe winters. Maine permits both open and concealed carry without a license and enforces few restrictions on firearm types or magazine capacity, which may appeal to those focused on self-defense capabilities in remote settings.
》Oregon supports varied agriculture and has established communities focused on sustainability and self-reliance. However, increasing wildfire activity and evolving land-use regulations may pose operational challenges for off-grid living. Oregon has implemented firearm restrictions (including capacity limits), which may not align with the needs of those seeking personal security.
》Arizona features long growing seasons and ample solar exposure, both critical for sustainable energy and food production. It faces severe drought, dependence on managed water systems, and security challenges linked to its proximity to the southern border. Arizona also has a more evenly divided political landscape than Texas, which may influence future border policy changes negative for personal security. It permits constitutional carry, enforces stand-your-ground protections, and limits firearm restrictions, making it favorable for those prioritizing armed preparedness.
》Vermont has water access, low population, and legal support for sustainable land use. It faces operational difficulties from cold winters and short agricultural cycles. Vermont allows permitless open and concealed carry and maintains minimal firearm restrictions, which supports armed self-reliance in isolated areas.
》Texas contains large land areas, varied climates, and state policies that support autonomy and property rights. It is exposed to hurricanes, drought, and extreme heat. Border security remains a lesser concern than in Arizona, but this could shift with changes in federal policy. Texas allows constitutional carry and enforces laws favorable to firearm ownership, which aligns with personal defense and property security planning.
》Wyoming has low population density, tax advantages, and large tracts of undeveloped land suitable for retreat locations. It is impacted by harsh winters and limited infrastructure, which may require advanced logistical planning. Wyoming supports permitless carry, prohibits magazine restrictions, and limits federal enforcement of firearm laws, supporting a secure environment for armed independence.
》North Dakota offers agricultural land and low population density, appealing for long-term food production and isolation. It hosts multiple strategic military installations, including missile silos and air bases, which may increase its vulnerability in the event of a national conflict. Winters are severe and demand advanced preparation. North Dakota permits open and concealed carry without a license and has few restrictions on firearms, consistent with armed preparedness needs.
When selecting a location, assess environmental conditions, infrastructure, legal frameworks, and evolving threats. Long-term preparedness depends on evaluating strategic vulnerabilities and advantages unique to each state. Consider doing an area study or PMESII-PT (see our Hip Pocket Brief on this analysis). The omission of certain states, that may arguably be ideal for a homestead/BOL, does not negate them as options. We selected these 11 states based on their historical relevance as ideal locations and emerging concerns. Use this review as a springboard when determining what area best meets your long-term needs. We wrote a guide that provides information establishing and maintaining an offgrid homestead, including land selection, building and shelter options, heating, cooking, power solutions, self-sufficiency through gardening and raising livestock, security measures, and community involvement.