Best States for Tiny House Living (2024)

Thinking about downsizing—really downsizing? The tiny home movement in the U.S. is growing as more people embrace affordable and sustainable living.

These compact and efficient homes promote a minimalist lifestyle while minimizing environmental impact. As their benefits become more widely recognized, communities and municipalities are adapting by introducing zoning regulations and resources to support this growing housing movement.

The landscaping services website LawnStarter recently released its ranking of the best states for tiny house living in 2024. The list evaluates all 50 states based on factors such as the ease of building a tiny home, the feasibility of constructing one in an urban area considering average yard sizes, and the suitability for an off-grid lifestyle.

What is the Tiny House?

A tiny home is a compact living space, typically ranging from 100 to 400 square feet. These small dwellings have become popular due to their affordability, reduced environmental impact, and simplified lifestyle.

On average, a tiny home is about 225 square feet, making it approximately one-tenth the size of a standard U.S. home.

Tiny homes can be constructed on either permanent foundations or trailers, offering flexibility and mobility. As defined by the International Residential Code, a tiny home has a maximum floor area of 400 square feet, not including lofts.

Vermont leads the rankings with an impressive overall score of 89.07, thanks to its favorable tiny house regulations, generous yard space, and strong support for off-grid living. Kentucky follows in second place with a score of 85.34, standing out for its tiny house-friendly legal environment and excellent off-grid living conditions.

Arkansas secures third place with a score of 84.60, offering a well-balanced setting for tiny house living, particularly in terms of yard acreage and legal support. Maine ranks fourth with a score of 83.80, known for its spacious yard sizes and a legal framework that accommodates tiny homes. Rounding out the top five, Minnesota earns a score of 78.32, excelling in off-grid lifestyle suitability.

LawnStarter ranked the best states for tiny house living based on key factors such as legality, space, and lifestyle. These categories included considerations like building codes, available yard space, and off-grid living conditions. States were scored based on these factors, with the highest overall scores determining the top rankings.