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Kentucky vs Wisconsin

Head-to-head homesteading comparison across taxes, land, climate, laws, safety & more

Rank #5
Overall Winner

Overall Score

71.3

Category Wins

6/10

Rank #21

Overall Score

66.5

Category Wins

2/10

Quick Comparison

Winner highlighted per category

0.83%
Property Tax
1.85%
86.3
Cost of Living
96
$4,800
Farm Land $/Acre
$3,800
210 days
Growing Season
170 days
50"
Annual Rainfall
36"
8/10
Soil Quality
8/10
8/10
Safety (Rural)
8/10
9/10
Gun Friendly
7/10
4.25 hrs
Solar (PSH)
3.9 hrs
82%
Broadband
84%

Kentucky Edges Out Wisconsin Overall

With an overall homesteading score of 71.3 vs 66.5, Kentucky comes out ahead in our balanced analysis — winning 6 out of 10 key categories. But the best state for you depends on what matters most.

Key differences: Wisconsin offers cheaper farmland at $3,800/acre vs $4,800/acre. Kentucky has a longer growing season (210 vs 170 days). Kentucky has lower property taxes (0.83% vs 1.85%).

Scroll down to the full comparison table for a deep dive into every metric, or use our ranking tool to weight these factors by what matters most to you.

Full Data Comparison

Side-by-side comparison of selected states across homesteading metrics
Data PointKentucky
KY
Wisconsin
WI
Taxes & Cost
YesYes
4%7.65%
6%5.43%
0.83%1.85%
86.396
Land & Building
$4,800$3,800
PartialYes (Statewide)
VariesPermitted with local approval; increasingly allowed
Climate & Growing
6a-7b3a-5b
210170
50"36"
88
23
44
Water & Energy
UnrestrictedPermitted
4.253.9
YesYes
Laws & Freedom
LowModerate
97
StrongVery strong
Yes (Farm Sales Only)Illegal (incidental on-farm sales only)
YesYes
Safety & Healthcare
250299
38%37%
Demographics & Community
114.1108
42%30%
82%84%
Business
#23#30
$40/yr$130/yr
4%3.5%

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