Hunt & Live

Sevier County, AR

15,686 residents · 564 sq mi · 27.8/sq mi · 63% rural

Climate
62.3°F
54.6" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.69
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~21.7°F

About Sevier County

Sevier County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 15,839. The county seat is De Queen. Sevier County is Arkansas's 16th county, formed on October 17, 1828, and named for Ambrose Sevier, U.S. Senator from Arkansas. On November 3, 2020, voters in Sevier County, AR approved alcohol sales by a vote of 3,499 to 1,699.

37
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2385 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and moderate climate, characterized by an annual mean temperature of 62.3°F and ample rainfall of 54.6 inches per year. The growing season is conducive to various crops, supported by USDA zone 9a. With a population density of 27.8 people per square mile, the county provides a sense of remoteness, though access to resources may vary. Water availability is generally favorable due to the humid classification, which can benefit self-sufficient living.

However, potential residents should be mindful of the natural hazards identified by FEMA, particularly the high risk of ice storms (ranked 100), which can disrupt daily life and infrastructure. While the area has a lower violence percentile of 64, the overall disaster percentile of 65 indicates a moderate risk environment. The cost of living is relatively low, with median home prices around $99,200, but broadband access is limited to 50% of households, which may affect those reliant on digital connectivity.

This county may suit individuals or families seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle with a willingness to manage natural risks. Homesteaders who thrive in self-sufficient environments and can adapt to occasional severe weather will find opportunities here. Conversely, those who prioritize high-speed internet access or are uncomfortable with the potential for ice storms and other hazards may find this area less appealing. The low property tax rate could be a hidden gem for budget-conscious homesteaders looking to invest in land.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,854 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#35 of 75 in AR
Ranked #35 of 75 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: ice storm
FEMA ranks ice storm risk at 100/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
27.8 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 62.3°F annual mean and 54.6" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $99,200.

Score Breakdown

Violence
89
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
65
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
36
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
64.9
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 32
Drought 47
Earthquake 62
Hail 83
Hurricane 54
Heat Wave 66
Riverine Flood 48
Ice Storm 100
Landslide 61
Lightning 69
Strong Wind 57
Tornado 64
Wildfire 58
Winter Weather 52

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
92.5°F
Winter low
31.7°F
Heating degree days
2,903
Cooling degree days
1,952

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$99,200
Median HH income
$53,567
Price to income
1.9×
Property tax rate
0.52%
~$517/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
34.9
Homeownership
65%
Poverty rate
20.1%
Unemployment
4.6%

Connectivity

Broadband households
50.1%
No internet access
17.3%

Explore Sevier 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.