Hunt & Live

Autauga County, AL

59,759 residents · 595 sq mi · 100.5/sq mi · 41% rural

Climate
64.4°F
55" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.61
Hardiness
Zone 9b
Winter low ~25.1°F
36
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2452 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

The terrain in this area is characterized by a mix of rural and suburban landscapes, with a population density of 100.5 people per square mile. The climate is humid, with an annual mean temperature of 64.4°F and an average of 55 inches of rainfall each year. The growing season benefits from USDA zone 9b conditions, allowing for a variety of crops to be cultivated, though the heat during summer months can be challenging for some plants.

Natural hazards pose significant risks, with heat waves ranked 86 and tornadoes at 74 on the FEMA scale. Additionally, the area has a violence percentile of 61, indicating a moderate level of concern in terms of safety. While the median home price of $191,800 is relatively affordable, the cost of living may still present challenges for some individuals, especially those seeking to establish a self-sufficient homestead.

This area may be suitable for individuals or families seeking a balance of rural living with access to urban amenities, particularly those who can adapt to the heat and potential natural hazards. However, those with a low tolerance for risk or who require a more stable climate may find it less appealing. The low property tax rate and reasonable housing costs could be attractive to budget-conscious homesteaders.

AI-generated analysis based on county data (climate, hazards, density, housing, economy). For general orientation only.

Key Facts

Ranked #2,335 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#31 of 67 in AL
Ranked #31 of 67 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: heat wave
FEMA ranks heat wave risk at 86/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 100/sqmi
Densely populated at 100 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 64.4°F annual mean and 55.0" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $191,800.

Score Breakdown

Violence
64
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
58
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
72
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
57.6
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 28
Drought 46
Earthquake 68
Hail 44
Hurricane 72
Heat Wave 86
Riverine Flood 66
Ice Storm 43
Landslide 74
Lightning 82
Strong Wind 52
Tornado 74
Wildfire 46
Winter Weather 9

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
91.7°F
Winter low
35.1°F
Heating degree days
2,344
Cooling degree days
2,175

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$191,800
Median HH income
$68,315
Price to income
2.8×
Property tax rate
0.28%
~$531/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
39
Homeownership
75.5%
Poverty rate
11.4%
Unemployment
2.7%

Connectivity

Broadband households
69.5%
No internet access
9.5%

Explore Autauga County Further

Similar Counties

Data sources. Prepper scores are national percentile ranks of firearm fatalities (County Health Rankings 2024 / CDC WONDER), FEMA National Risk Index 2023 composite disaster score, and population density (ACS 2022 + TIGER 2022 land area). Climate from NOAA nClimDiv 1991–2020 normals. Hardiness zone is estimated from climate data and may differ from the official USDA PHZM. Demographics and housing from Census ACS 5-year 2022. All scores are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute advice about where to live.