Hunt & Live

Drew County, AR

16,911 residents · 829 sq mi · 20.4/sq mi · 54% rural

Climate
63.4°F
54.9" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.64
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~24.2°F

About Drew County

Drew County is regional economic, educational, and cultural hub in the Southeast Arkansas region. Created as Arkansas's 51st county on November 26, 1846, Drew County contains four municipalities, including Monticello, the county seat and largest city. The county is named for Thomas Drew, the third governor of Arkansas.

48
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1651 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Drew County features a humid subtropical climate with an annual mean temperature of 63.4°F and an average of 54.9 inches of rainfall per year. The growing season is favorable for crops, particularly in USDA zone 9a, allowing for a variety of fruits and vegetables. The terrain is mixed, with both rural areas and some urban centers, providing opportunities for self-sufficient living, though water sources may need to be secured for sustainability given the county's humid classification.

Natural hazards in this area include earthquakes (FEMA rank 84), droughts (rank 82), and ice storms (rank 78), which present significant risks to homesteaders. The violence percentile is notably high at 95/100, indicating potential safety concerns. Additionally, while the cost of living is manageable with a median home price of $123,900 and a low property tax rate of 0.47%, the overall economic conditions may limit some individuals' ability to invest in homesteading.

Drew County may suit those who prioritize a warmer climate and lower property costs, particularly individuals with experience in managing risks associated with natural hazards. However, it may not be ideal for those who require high-speed internet access, as only 46% of households have broadband subscriptions. Homesteaders looking for a more stable environment with fewer natural disaster risks may find this area less appealing.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,752 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#31 of 75 in AR
Ranked #31 of 75 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: earthquake
FEMA ranks earthquake risk at 84/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
20.4 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 63.4°F annual mean and 54.9" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $123,900.

Score Breakdown

Violence
93
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
35
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
29
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
35.1
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 26
Drought 82
Earthquake 84
Hail 40
Hurricane 57
Heat Wave 78
Riverine Flood 19
Ice Storm 78
Landslide 24
Lightning 34
Strong Wind 67
Tornado 63
Wildfire 26
Winter Weather 15

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
91.7°F
Winter low
34.2°F
Heating degree days
2,684
Cooling degree days
2,147

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$123,900
Median HH income
$44,968
Price to income
2.8×
Property tax rate
0.47%
~$578/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
37.5
Homeownership
67.1%
Poverty rate
21.4%
Unemployment
3.2%

Connectivity

Broadband households
45.9%
No internet access
19.3%

Explore Drew County Further

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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.