Living Off Grid in Oklahoma (My Complete Guide)

Oklahoma lies in the middle of the country, and some could consider it a flyover state because there isn’t much going on there. However, living off grid in Oklahoma great choice. Oklahoma’s population is estimated to be around 3.94 million people, and it is growing every year. Oklahoma contains four cities with populations of over 100,000 people, the largest of which being Oklahoma Metropolis, which has a population of 635,000. The vast majority of people that relocate to the state prefer this city or Tulsa.

Living off grid in Oklahoma is legal, but there are a few factors that prevent it from ranking among the finest off grid states. Some reasons are the high crime rate, poor education, and healthcare system. Oklahoma, on the other hand, has one of the lowest property taxes in the country at 0.90 percent, a cost of living that is 17% lower than the national average, and land and home prices that are roughly 45 percent lower.

General Statistics for Living Off Grid in Oklahoma

It’s almost as if Oklahoma is divided into two states: the one in the big cities and the one in the country. In general, there are two major issues that have an impact on living off grid in Oklahoma. When it comes to obesity, Oklahoma ranks second in the US. The problem is that eating healthy in this state is highly expensive, and most of the food is loaded with preservatives and sugar.

Wild hogs are a major concern in Oklahoma, as they are in most of the southern states. If you want to grow pigs, make sure they can’t get out of the enclosure; if they start walking around on the street, you’ll be punished. Although most people conceive of Oklahoma as an agricultural state, the reality is that the state’s agriculture economy is very minor when compared to surrounding states.

Oklahoma used to have exceptionally fertile fields, but due to over-farming, the soil became so barren that not even grass could grow, resulting in the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, when the whole state was coated in dust. During this time, many individuals fled the state, and the majority of them returned to farming in Kansas, where the crisis was not as serious. If you’re interested in another midwest state, check out my Off Grid Living Guide to North Dakota.

What is the Climate in Oklahoma?

The climate in Oklahoma is divided into two types: humid subtropical in the east and semi-arid in the west. The typical summer temperature in most of the state is around 90°F, while temperatures in the western region of the state can reach much higher levels. During the winter, the average temperature might drop below freezing on a regular basis.

The closer you travel to the western semi-arid zones, the greater the temperature difference between night and day will be; it is not uncommon for midsummer temperatures at night to drop below freezing in some years.

What are the Best Crops to Grow in Oklahoma?

Most people believe that Oklahoma is primarily focused on agriculture. While this was true a few decades ago, the agriculture sector in Oklahoma is now very tiny, especially when compared to its neighboring states. Soybeans, wheat, hay, cotton, corn for grain, sorghum for grain, and even peanuts are among the most prevalent crops farmed in Oklahoma. Because of the climate differences, the majority of the fertile land is in the eastern half of the state; the further west you go, the fewer alternatives you will have for growing crops.

Interested in living off grid in another state? Check out Michigan.

What’s Freshwater Availability Like in Oklahoma?

Although there is a significant difference in yearly rainfall between the western and eastern regions of the state, the majority of the state does not experience a freshwater shortage. The western half of the state can receive as little as 18 inches of rain in some years, whereas the eastern part of the state is much more humid, with an annual rainfall of roughly 56 inches. The good news is that even if you move to the western portions of the state, you can still legally harvest rainwater, albeit it will be difficult due to the restricted amount of rainfall.

What Kind of Wildlife Does Oklahoma Have?

Because Oklahoma has two distinct climates, one might expect the wildlife to be quite diverse. However, the majority of the creatures are small, and there is no large game in this state. Raccoons, coyotes, beavers, armadillos, foxes, and prairie dogs are the most prevalent creatures in Oklahoma. Striped bass, blue catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and hybrid striped bass can all be found in the nearby rivers and lakes. Remember that both fishing and hunting require permits: find them here.

How to Generate Off Grid Power in Oklahoma?

Solar power: Solar is one of your possibilities for generating electricity in Oklahoma; you will have no trouble generating electricity all year, even during the winter. Installing a solar power system can be costly, and most states provide subsidies, with a few outliers, such as Oklahoma. Although there are no statewide rebates for solar electricity in Oklahoma, you can still apply for a 30% federal tax credit.

Wind power: You’ll see a number of wind turbines among the corn and grain fields, but if you’re starting a modest farmstead, solar panels will suffice. Oklahoma had an investment tax credit for wind turbines a few years ago, and there’s a chance it’ll be reinstated in the near future. You can still apply for the federal tax credit, which is fantastic news.

Are There Living Off Grid Laws in Oklahoma?

There are no restrictions forbidding you from living off grid in Oklahoma, and you can lawfully harvest rainwater even in semi-arid areas. The education system in Oklahoma is one of the worst in the country, but the good news is that you can simply educate your children as long as you notify the local authorities and follow the homeschooling regulations.

What’s Road Access Like in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma’s roads are in good repair, the winters are mild, and the snow melts in a couple of days. In the eastern portion of the state, where the humidity is much higher, you may observe that some of the roads have a thin film of ice on them on a handful of days of the year.

What’s the Price of Off Grid Land in Oklahoma?

The cost of land in Oklahoma is quite low; in fact, it is one of the cheapest states in the US when it comes to land and housing. In general, housing and land prices are about 45 percent cheaper than the national average. The western sections of the state have by far the cheapest land, albeit this is largely owing to the semi-arid climate.

What’s the Property Tax in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma’s property tax rate is 0.90 percent, which is lower than the national average of 1.08 percent. Caddo has the lowest property tax rate in the state, at 0.58 percent.

Interested in another state with low property tax? Check out Colorado.

What’s the Cost of Living Off Grid in Oklahoma?

Living in Oklahoma is about 17% less expensive than the national average. Housing costs 45 percent less, transportation costs 11 percent less, and groceries costs roughly 8% less. The only thing that is more expensive in Oklahoma is healthcare. It is roughly 15% more expensive than the national average, despite Oklahoma’s inadequate healthcare system.

What’s the Job Market Like in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma’s unemployment rate is 3.3 percent. This is far below the national average of 3.6 percent. The minimum wage is $7.25, which is the national average. Biotechnology, health care, government, energy, aviation, manufacturing, and the hospitality industry are the largest industries in which a considerable fraction of the population works. Agriculture employs a small percentage of the population, although this number is decreasing year by year.

What’s the Crime Rate in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma’s crime rate is somewhat higher than the national average. It has 4.66 crimes reported per 1000 people compared to 3.9 crimes per 1000 persons nationally. Gans, Lawrence Creek, Keyes, Vici, Oologah, and Velma are the safest cities in Oklahoma. Tulsa, Ada, Broken Bow, Ardmore, Savanna, and McAlester are the cities with the highest crime rates. The western section of the state has a low population density. This is one of the reasons why it has the lowest crime rate in the state.

Is Living Off Grid in Oklahoma Affected by Natural Disasters?

Tornadoes, ice storms, winter storms, blizzards, and floods are all common in Oklahoma. Tornadoes are by far the most damaging natural calamity. Because Oklahoma lies in tornado alley, they can occur virtually every year. The good news is that most tornadoes die out before they have a chance to do property damage.

Is Living Off Grid in Oklahoma Possible?

Overall, Oklahoma is a good state for off grid living. When it comes to living as cheaply as possible, there are better possibilities in the southern states. If anything this state boasts a wide range of agricultural land, similar to the surrounding states.