Hunt & Live

Woodruff County, AR

6,049 residents · 586 sq mi · 10.3/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
61.5°F
50.4" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.59
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~21.5°F

About Woodruff County

Woodruff County, officially the County of Woodruff, is located in the Arkansas Delta in the U.S. state of Arkansas. The county is named for William E. Woodruff, founder of the state's first newspaper, the Arkansas Gazette.

50
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1498 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural experience, with a low population density of 10.3 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 61.5°F and ample rainfall at 50.4 inches per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 9a. The humid environment and fertile soil can be advantageous for self-sufficient living, although the summer highs can reach 90.9°F, which may require careful water management.

Natural hazards pose significant risks in this region, with ice storms and earthquakes ranked as high as 88 by FEMA. Drought is also a notable concern with a ranking of 87, potentially impacting water availability for crops and livestock. While the area has a lower violence percentile at 85, indicating relative safety, the cost of living is moderate, with a median home price of $96,100 and a property tax rate of 0.62% that could affect financial planning for new residents.

This county may be a good fit for individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with the ability to engage in agriculture and self-sufficiency. Those comfortable with the risks associated with natural hazards and who can adapt to the local climate will likely thrive here. However, urban dwellers accustomed to high-speed internet and abundant amenities might find the 42% broadband subscription rate and rural isolation challenging, making it a potential dealbreaker for some.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,437 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#21 of 75 in AR
Ranked #21 of 75 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: ice storm
FEMA ranks ice storm risk at 88/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
10.3 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 61.5°F annual mean and 50.4" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $96,100.

Score Breakdown

Violence
89
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
42
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
18
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
42.3
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 15
Drought 87
Earthquake 88
Hail 39
Hurricane 50
Heat Wave 47
Riverine Flood 35
Ice Storm 88
Landslide 15
Lightning 24
Strong Wind 30
Tornado 66
Wildfire 12
Winter Weather 27

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
90.9°F
Winter low
31.5°F
Heating degree days
3,225
Cooling degree days
1,963

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$96,100
Median HH income
$49,608
Price to income
1.9×
Property tax rate
0.62%
~$595/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
45.2
Homeownership
69.1%
Poverty rate
19%
Unemployment
6.7%

Connectivity

Broadband households
42.2%
No internet access
36.6%

Explore Woodruff 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.