Living Off the Grid in Texas (What You Need to Know)

Texas is one of the largest states in the US and one of the most populous. Texas now has 29 million people, and the state’s population has been continuously increasing over the last several decades. In the year 2000, the local population was approximately 20 million. Most of these people are not living off the grid in Texas.

Living off the grid in Texas is an awesome choice since it is legal to rainwater. Furthermore, Texas has a cheaper cost of living and property than the national average. When it comes to producing crops, as long as you can water them effectively, you have a lot of possibilities. The state also has numerous initiatives for wind and solar power systems. On the other hand, the predominantly semi-arid environment is not ideal for living off the grid. The crime rate is higher than the national average due to the high population density.

General Statistics for Living Off the Grid in Texas

Because of the high population density, Texas has around 40 cities with more than 100,000 people. The largest city in Texas is Houston, which has a population of 2.3 million people, followed by San Antonio, which has a population of 1.5 million; Dallas, which has a population of 1.3 million; Austin, which has a population of 940k, and Fort Worth, which has a population of 860k. Most people see Texas as a desert state filled with oil rigs and livestock farms. The reality is that Texas is most likely one of the best states in the country.

Because of the high population density, Texas has around 40 cities with more than 100,000 people. The largest city in Texas is Houston, which has a population of 2.3 million people. Most people see Texas as a desert state filled with oil rigs and livestock farms. The reality is that Texas is most likely one of the best states in the country.

Over the last several decades, many individuals have moved to this state because the cost of living is low, the climate is pleasant, and the state incentivizes large firms. Generally speaking, states with a high population density are not the ideal option for living off the grid. Although this is not the case in Texas, which has a huge population and is also one of the largest in the country. You will have no trouble locating adequate acreage when living off the grid in Texas.

Interested in reading about living off the grid somewhere similar to Texas? I recommend reading my Guide to Living Off the Grid in South Dakota!

What’s the Climate in Texas?

Because of its vastness, Texas has a variety of climates. In general, the climate in the western sections of the state is semi-arid. In contrast, the climate in the eastern parts is humid and subtropical. The average summer temperature is approximately 95°F, while the average winter temperature is around 70°F. Temperatures in the northern sections of the state might be much cooler than in the southern parts.

What Type of Crops are Grown in Texas?

Some regions in Texas are ideal for cultivating crops since they may be grown all year virtually. The biggest issue with producing crops in Texas is a water shortage in some locations; you will almost certainly need to irrigate your crops due to the low average yearly rainfall. Corn, cotton, sorghum, milo, wheat, rice, peanuts, sunflowers, and sugarcane are the most important crops farmed in Texas. In truth, Texas is a major producer of grain and cotton.

Looking for fertile states? Check out South Carolina for off the grid living.

What’s Freshwater Availability Like in Texas?

Texas has a freshwater shortage because most of the state is dominated by a semi-arid climate, with an average annual rainfall of around 20 inches and an average yearly snowfall of around 30 inches. However, most of this snowfall falls in the northern parts of the state, where the climate is significantly colder. Texas is one of the few semi-arid states where you may legally catch rainwater, albeit this will not be enough if you wish to cultivate your own food.

What Kind of Wildlife is in Texas?

Texas is home to various animals, including white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, alligators, reptiles, and several dangerous snakes.

Bass, crappies, catfish, bulkheads, carp, sunfish, gar, and suckers may all be found nearby rivers and lakes. Red drummers, spotted sea trout, pompano, flounder, sheepshead, and black drums are frequent saltwater fish. Make sure you have all the permits to hunt and fish in Texas.

How to Generate Off the Grid Power in Texas?

Solar power: As you go away from the larger cities, you will see more buildings with solar panels on top of them; Texas is definitely one of the greatest sites to create power using solar panels. Texas does not provide any incentives or rebates for solar power systems. However, you may still qualify for the federal tax credit, around 26%. Furthermore, some utility companies provide rebates and incentives. 

Wind power: There are two separate wind power schemes, the Production Tax Credit and the Investment Tax Credit, which will greatly reduce your costs. In addition to these programs, you should be able to qualify for the federal tax credit.

Does Texas Have Off the Grid Living Laws?

Living off the grid is permitted in Texas, despite some claims to the contrary. There are currently no rules that living off the grid in Texas illegal. The biggest issue is that some people choose a plot of land and begin building their homestead on it without any permission or even ownership of the property. You must follow the construction code in every state, regardless of where you live. 

The reality is that there are a substantial number of individuals living off the grid in Texas (and other places) without owning the property or having any licenses. The difficulty arises when someone reports the authorities and your homestead is demolished. Thus, always observe local rules.

What’s Road Access Like in Texas?

Although many regions in Texas do not even have a dirt roads, the quality of the roads is generally good. Most residents use a four-wheel-drive truck or car, especially in isolated locations with no access to highways. Furthermore, many individuals living off the grid in Texas carry a bug-out bag with several days’ worth of food and water. This is because some locations with low population density may be highly dangerous if your car breaks down.

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

In general, states with a high population density tend to have higher home and land costs. The reality is that Texas’s cost of housing and land is lower than the national average, and you will spend around 16% less.

Interested in an even cheaper state? Check out my insight on Living Off the Grid in Oklahoma.

What’s the Property Tax in Texas?

Texas’s property tax is much higher than the national average; the current property tax is 1.83 percent, whereas the national average is 1.08 percent. Travis County has the lowest property tax rate of 1.80 percent.

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

In Texas, the cost of living is lower than the national average; you will pay around 16% less for housing, 5% less for healthcare, 7% less for food, and 1% less for utilities.

What’s the Job Market Like in Texas?

Texas has a 3.5 percent unemployment rate, which is somewhat lower than the national average of 3.6 percent. Every year, the unemployment rate falls, albeit at a glacial pace. The minimum wage is $7.25, which is much less than the minimum wage in surrounding states. The most populous industries are oil and gas, agriculture, manufacturing, steel, construction, banking, and transportation.

What is the Crime Rate in Texas?

Texas has a slightly higher crime rate than the national average, with 4.11 crimes per 1000 people compared to the national average of 4 crimes per 1000 people. Valentine, Round Top, Mentone, Mullin, and Melvin are the areas with the lowest crime rates. Houston, Bay City, San Antonio, Center, Jasper, Henderson, Bastrop, and Cleveland have the highest crime rates.

Is Living Off the Grid in Texas Affected by Natural Disasters?

Texas is prone to natural disasters due to the state’s huge size and the local climate. The most prevalent natural catastrophes are wildfires, floods, hail storms, sinkholes, tornadoes, hurricanes, droughts, heatwaves, and flash floods.

Is Living Off the Grid in Texas Possible?

Overall, living off the grid in Texas is a decent idea. While it has certain restrictions, particularly in terms of freshwater, there are also many positives. Although you are legally permitted to gather fresh water, the amount you will be able to harvest each year will be insufficient to water your crops. The average yearly rainfall in this state is approximately 20 inches.