Hunt & Live

Cheyenne County, CO

1,732 residents · 1,778 sq mi · 1.0/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
51.8°F
15.9" rain/yr
Water
dry sub-humid
Aridity index 0.67
Hardiness
Zone 7b
Winter low ~6.3°F

About Cheyenne County

Cheyenne County is a county located in the U.S. state of Colorado. The county population was 1,748 at 2020 census. The county seat is Cheyenne Wells.

85
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #97 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area involves a rural lifestyle characterized by a low population density of 1.0 people per square mile. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 51.8°F with a growing season suitable for USDA zone 7b, allowing for a variety of crops. Rainfall averages 15.9 inches per year, which may limit water availability for gardening and livestock. However, the remote environment could be advantageous for those seeking privacy and self-sufficiency.

Natural hazards pose some risks here, with drought ranked at a FEMA hazard level of 74, indicating a significant concern for water resources. Hail and cold waves also present challenges, particularly for agriculture. Although the area has a high violence percentile of 76/100, indicating relative safety, the low density may mean limited access to emergency services. Additionally, the median home price of $166,300 is relatively affordable, but economic opportunities may be limited.

This county may be a good fit for individuals or families who value solitude and have the skills to manage agricultural challenges, particularly in water conservation. Homesteaders looking for a low-cost living environment might find it appealing, but those dependent on urban amenities or seeking diverse job opportunities may struggle. The primary dealbreaker could be the risk of drought impacting self-sufficiency, while the low property taxes could be considered a hidden gem for potential residents.

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

Key Facts

Top 10% nationally
National prepper rank: #322 of 3,109.
#2 in CO
Top 5 counties in Colorado out of 64.
Dominant hazard: drought
FEMA ranks drought risk at 74/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Extremely rural
Only 1.0 people per square mile — fewer than 5/sqmi places you in the bottom 5% nationally for density.
Climate profile
Classified as dry sub-humid with a 51.8°F annual mean and 15.9" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 7b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $166,300.

Score Breakdown

Violence
41
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
3
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
2
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
3
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 36
Drought 74
Earthquake 8
Hail 58
Heat Wave 3
Riverine Flood 4
Ice Storm 4
Landslide 2
Lightning 7
Strong Wind 14
Tornado 15
Wildfire 30
Winter Weather 27

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
90.8°F
Winter low
16.3°F
Heating degree days
5,699
Cooling degree days
928

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$166,300
Median HH income
$65,577
Price to income
2.5×
Property tax rate
0.45%
~$743/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
43.2
Homeownership
78.9%
Poverty rate
10.9%
Unemployment
2.1%

Connectivity

Broadband households
72%
No internet access
8.1%

Explore Cheyenne 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.