So, what exactly are we talking about when we say “prepper-friendly” anyway? And what makes some states friendlier than others?
The first thing that jumps out at me are natural disasters. Do you want to live in a state that has a lot of earthquakes? Not me. Bye bye California and Hawaii.
How about states that get bombarded with tornados every year? Nope. See ya, Texas and Kansas. Prepper-friendly states have the least amount of extreme weather-related issues like these, so you aren’t constantly having to baton down the hatches.
Then, and this is something we don’t really think about much, is there plenty of access to fresh water? If a crisis hits and the faucets run dry, you want to be able to get as much water as you need without having to work too hard for it. So long, Nevada and Arizona.
The price of property is a big one, too. That knocks out my home state of New York, where property prices and taxes are absolutely ridiculous.
How about the amount of people in the state? Yep, population density plays a big part in prepper-friendly consideration because the more people there are, the bigger strain on resources there is. Scratch New Jersey and Rhode Island off the list.
Off-grid living flexibility is another concern. Some states definitely are a lot less restricting when it comes to living the prepper lifestyle. California and New Jersey, not you again. OK, let’s look at the next two states with the most restrictions. Massachusetts and Illinois are gone.
And to round out the conditions for prepper-friendliness, we have the community and culture of the state. For preppers, that’s places where independence and self-reliance are appreciated and supported and there are less regulations.
California just can’t stay off the prepper naughty list. New York and Massachusetts either. But just to throw in a fresh face, sayonara Florida.
Now, there is no perfect prepper-friendly state, but let’s take a look at the best places you want to take a look at.
1. Vermont
Freedom and unity. You’re not going to find an official state slogan better than that for prepper-friendliness.
Vermont consistently ranks high for preppers because there’s plenty of freshwater, rich, fertile soil and not a lot of people to stretch resources thin during a crisis.
Winters can be harsh, so you need to think about heating more. But the colder climate reduces risks like wildfires and certain pests. And looking at the state slogan again, Vermont nails it from the culture and community angle.
2. Alaska
You could say that Alaska is the ultimate frontier for preppers. There is so much land and not a ton of people, so the privacy aspect is awesome.
Then, talk about all the fresh water from rivers, lakes and even glaciers, plus all the wildlife and fish. Need to brush up on your rod and reel fishing skills? The culture is definitely supportive of preppers and the off-grid living opportunities seem endless.
There’s a trade off with the long, cold winters and you’ll need solid heating and food storage plans, but if you’re looking for an extremely remote place to live, Alaska is your state.
3. Idaho
This is one of the most practical states for preppers to call home. It’s just so well-rounded and checks almost all the boxes.
Reliable water sources from rivers, lakes and aquifers, low population outside of major cities, mountains and the culture preppers are looking for.
The climate varies by region, but in many areas, you’ll get good weather conditions. Combine that with the fertile soil and growing seasons that are top notch.
Plus, there’s a lower risk of larger-scale natural disasters, although you do have to watch out for the occasional wildfire.
4. Montana
Maybe not as much as Alaska but talk about all the wide-open space and relatively not so many people.
Montana also has that independent mind-set focused on self-reliance and outdoor skills. Plus, with all the forest, rivers and wildlife, it’s ideal for hunting, fishing and off-grid living.
Sure, the winters are cold and you’ll get occasional severe weather, but risks like hurricanes and large-scale flooding are a lot less than other states.
5. Wyoming
Wyoming is one of the least populated states in the country, which makes it absolutely perfect for prepper life. Land is definitely affordable and personal freedom and the rights of the people are respected.
Certain places have a drier climate, so have alternative water plans in place and it tends to get a bit chilly at times. But you won’t have to worry about hurricanes or major coastal threats, just some winter storms.
6. Tennessee
A mild climate, land you can afford and strong access to fresh water from rivers and lakes are the top three prepper highlights here.
Plus, the extended warm weather makes Tennessee ideal for longer growing seasons, livestock and food production. And you can find rural property that’s not too far from towns and supplies.
Similar to Montana, Tennessee generally avoids hurricanes and coastal flooding issues, but some severe storms definitely tend to pop up.
7. Missouri
If you’re looking for a central location where you can afford the property and there is a slew of diverse natural resources, you’ll find just that in Missouri.
Being in the middle of the country is great for travel, trade and avoiding many coastal risks. And Missouri has a long farming tradition, amazing forests and an abundance of fresh water resources.
You’ll just have to keep your eye on the changing weather conditions.
8. Texas
When you think of Texas, the sheer size of the state and love of independence jump right to the forefront.
From rural farmlands to deserts to wooded areas, there are a variety of off-grid living paths you can take here. Many areas are affordable and you’ll be happy to find there are fewer zoning restrictions compared to more densely populated states.
And because Texas gets so much sun, you’ll do better with solar energy here which is a big win. And click here want to learn more about DIY Solar. Although heat, drought and severe weather events come into play, prepper life is still good deep in the heart of Texas.
9. Maine
One of the most underrated states for prepper-friendliness. Maine has that rare combination of abundant natural resources, low population and a strong tradition of self-reliant living, especially in its rural areas.
There’s exceptional water access with countless lakes, rivers and consistent rainfall. And the dense forests are perfect for providing heating fuel, making wood heat the go-to option here. Plus, building resources and natural cover.
Maine’s natural beauty is also stunning, just be prepared for the cold winters.
10. South Dakota
And finally, we get to South Dakota. Open space, affordable land and best of all, no hurricanes, earthquakes or coastal flooding.
Farming and ranching are great here. Not too many people fighting for resources. And South Dakota is a big supporter of independence, that’s for sure.
You’ll get cold winters and hot summers, but I’ll take those and some small storms over larger-scale natural disasters you get in other states, any day.
Final Thoughts
Like I said before, there’s no perfect “prepper-friendly” state. But there are those that are a heck of a lot better than others.
My top recommendation would be to start with somewhere you can get the land for a good price and whittle the list down from there.
Consider your preferences. What aspects are most important to you in the prepper lifestyle? The options are there.
Anthony Vion is a lifelong prepper from Long Island, NY, with decades of hands-on experience in emergency planning. He focuses on practical, approachable strategies for managing food supplies, power, water and other essentials and helping households stay safe and resilient during everyday disruptions.
This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Readers are encouraged to seek instruction from qualified professionals and to take responsibility for their own decisions.
