How to Live Off-Grid in Georgia (Complete Guide)

I think people think of Georgia as a typical southern state with a poor economic. However, living off-grid in Georgia is most definitely possible! While Georgia definitely has its issues, most of them remain central to main cities, such as Atlanta. When looking for off-grid property, the state is full of potential. 

General Statistics for Living Off-Grid in Georgia

Living off-grid in Georgia is legal. In general, it is a reasonably “good” state for off-grid living. Property is inexpensive, there are numerous agricultural alternatives, and water is plentiful. Georgia, on the other hand, has troubles when it comes to governmental principles. It has a poor healthcare and education system, as well as a low minimum wage. The primary issue with Georgia is that other southern states are much cheaper, and they also provide greater renewable energy subsidies and rebates.

Georgia’s homeless population is estimated to be roughly 9,000 people, but if you travel to more populated places, you’ll likely see far more than that. Because rent in some locations is so expensive, many people choose to live in their cars and vans, some to save money and others because they have no other option. Many residents in this state live as simply as possible, and there are even some off-grid communities.

If you enjoy nature, you will enjoy living in Georgia. The further you get away from the larger cities, the more beautiful the state becomes. To be fair, most of these data points about employment and cost of living won’t apply when you’re living off-grid. If you’d like to read about a close relative of Georgia, check out my guide’s on Alabama and Florida.

What is Georgia’s Climate?

Georgia has two climates due to its huge size: a humid subtropical climate throughout the majority of the state and an oceanic climate in the northeast. This basically means that the temperature differential between the southern and northern parts of the state will be significant. In the summer, the average temperature in the northern sections of the state is around 72°F, while in the southern half of the state, it is around 90°F.

During the winter, the average temperature in the northern half of the state is approximately 34 degrees Fahrenheit, while the southern part is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The winters are pleasant in both the northern and southern regions of the state, while the summers are hot and humid. If you don’t like Georgia’s hot weather and excessive humidity, see my recent piece about Off-Grid Living in Connecticut (you may like this option more). 

What are the Best Crops to Grow in Georgia?

Corn, soybeans, sorghum grain, wheat, tobacco, and cotton are just a few of the crops that may be grown in Georgia due to the favorable climate. Georgia’s principal crops are peanuts and pecans, despite the land’s suitability for cultivating field crops. 

You will also be able to produce rice in some parts of the state because the climate is ideal for it. Because temperatures in the southern areas of the United States rarely fall below freezing, crops can be grown all year virtually. One of Georgia’s key factors that makes it suitable for off-grid living is its availability for agriculture. 

What’s Freshwater Availability Like in Georgia

Georgia has a lot of fresh water. The annual rainfall is roughly 48 inches in the eastern portion, 53 inches in the middle, and 75 inches in the northeast. There will be no difficulty in locating groundwater or collecting rainfall. The primary issue with water in Georgia is that it is one of the most polluted states in the country. The water could be contaminated with heavy metals and other pollutants, therefore filter and purify it before using it.

What Kind of Wildlife is in Georgia?

The black bear and the white-tailed deer are the only large mammals found in Georgia. Other species include rodents, raccoons, beavers, wild pigs, armadillos, and coyotes. Wild hogs destroy a lot of farm crops in some parts of the state, and it’s a never-ending effort to keep them in check. Largemouth bass, striped bass, white bass, red drum, and brook trout can all be found in the area rivers and lakes.

Southern flounder, lemon shark, blue marlin, gray triggerfish, and bonitos are the most frequent saltwater fish. Always check the official website for hunting and fishing licenses. 

How to Get Off-Grid Power in Georgia?

Solar power: There are a few incentives and rebates available for solar power, the most common of which is the Investment Tax Credit, which is worth roughly 26% of the overall cost. Furthermore, certain localities provide rebates. However, the majority are capped at roughly $4500.

Wind power: If you wish to install a wind turbine, you can apply for a 30% federal tax credit, as well as federal wind energy subsidies, which would reduce your expenditures by another 20%.

Are There Off-Grid Living Laws in Georgia? 

Living off-grid is permitted in Georgia! Rainwater collection is also legal, so there’s no reason you can’t live off the grid. Because of Georgia’s rather poor educational system, many people who live off the grid homeschool their children. Homeschooling rules are rather loose. The only need is for you to notify the local authorities. 

How is Georgia’s Road Access?

The quality of the roads in much of the state is fairly decent, but the closer you get to the larger cities, the more road work you’ll see, which causes a lot of traffic congestion. Snow will not cause issues in most of the state because winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing. Roads can be covered in ice in some locations due to excessive humidity and the wind chill effect.

What is the Price of Land in Georgia?

Land is very inexpensive in Georgia. However, it can be up to 45 percent less expensive in adjacent states, such as Alabama. The cheapest land is in the state’s northwest corner, and the closer you travel to Florida and the coast, the more expensive it becomes.

I recommend looking for land in the northern section of the state for both price and proximity to natural beauty. 

What is Georgia’s Property Tax?

Georgia’s property tax is 0.91 percent, which is lower than the national average of 1.08 percent. When compared to other southern states, you’ll find places with far cheaper property taxes.

What is the Cost of Living in Georgia?

Georgia is around 7% less expensive than the national average. Housing with a 20% discount, health care services with a 5% discount, and grocery with a 6% discount off the national average are the most significant industries. On the other hand, you can expect to pay about 5% more for transportation and 3% more for utilities. Although property and housing prices are lower than the national average, renting is more expensive.

What is Georgia’s Job Market Like? 

Georgia’s unemployment rate is around 3.3 percent and has been continuously declining over the years. This is below the national average of 3.9 percent. The majority of people work in the mining, agriculture, and energy industries. There are plenty of tech and pharmaceutical professions in the larger cities. Georgia’s biggest issue is its low minimum wage, which matches the national average of $7.25. 

What is Georgia’s Crime Rate?

The crime rate in Georgia is 3.27 crimes per 1000 people. The national average is four crimes per 1000 people. Although the crime rate in Georgia’s largest cities is far higher than the national average, this is to be expected near large cities. Braswell, Midville, Rayle, Graham, and Aragon are the safest places to be. The areas near Louisville, Waycross, Brunswick, Tocca, and Albany have the highest crime rates.

Do Natural Disasters Affect Off-Grid Living in Georgia?

Natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, tropical storms, wildfires, and winter storms have all struck Georgia. Although Georgia appears to have a lot of potential natural disasters at first glance, the truth is that the majority of them are very rare.

Can You Live Off-Grid in Georgia? 

At first glance, living off-grid in Georgia seems like an awesome choice. I agree with this statement (almost tricked you). The low housing costs and lack of laws make Georgia a great place to start living off-grid. If you work a minimum wage job, it may be difficult to make enough money to pay your bills.