Hunt & Live

Newton County, AR

7,078 residents · 821 sq mi · 8.6/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
57°F
51.1" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.87
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~16.4°F

About Newton County

Newton County is a county in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 7,225. The county seat is Jasper. Newton County is Arkansas's 46th county, formed on December 14, 1842, and named for Thomas W. Newton, an Arkansas Congressman.

59
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #948 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural lifestyle with a population density of 8.6 people per square mile, providing ample space for self-sufficient living. The climate is characterized by a humid subtropical environment with an annual mean temperature of 57.0°F and 51.1 inches of rainfall per year, making it suitable for a variety of crops. The growing season is extended by USDA zone 8b, which allows for gardening and agriculture, though potential challenges include managing water resources during drier periods.

Natural hazards pose some risk in this region, with notable concerns including lightning (ranked 85), ice storms (83), and landslides (82). While the area benefits from low violence rates (90 percentile), the potential for tornadoes (51) and wildfires (51) should also be considered when assessing safety. The median home price of $160,500 is reasonable, but the overall economic landscape may limit opportunities for some, especially those reliant on high-speed internet, as only 57% of households have broadband access.

This county may be a good fit for individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with access to nature and agricultural opportunities. Those who thrive here are likely to be self-sufficient and adaptable, able to handle the risks associated with natural hazards. However, individuals who depend on robust internet connectivity or are uncomfortable with the potential for severe weather events may find this area less suitable for their needs.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,000 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#8 of 75 in AR
Ranked #8 of 75 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: lightning
FEMA ranks lightning risk at 85/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
8.6 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 57.0°F annual mean and 51.1" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $160,500.

Score Breakdown

Violence
89
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
18
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
16
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
18.4
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 43
Earthquake 38
Hail 16
Hurricane 18
Heat Wave 37
Riverine Flood 21
Ice Storm 83
Landslide 82
Lightning 85
Strong Wind 37
Tornado 51
Wildfire 51
Winter Weather 34

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
87.2°F
Winter low
26.4°F
Heating degree days
4,139
Cooling degree days
1,250

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$160,500
Median HH income
$50,699
Price to income
3.2×
Property tax rate
0.4%
~$645/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
48.7
Homeownership
74.8%
Poverty rate
11.4%
Unemployment
3.7%

Connectivity

Broadband households
57.2%
No internet access
21.8%

Explore Newton 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.