Hunt & Live

Cassia County, ID

25,655 residents · 2,566 sq mi · 10.0/sq mi · 50% rural

Climate
46.5°F
16.2" rain/yr
Water
dry sub-humid
Aridity index 0.82
Hardiness
Zone 7b
Winter low ~8.7°F

About Cassia County

Cassia County is a county in the U.S. state of Idaho. As of the 2020 Census the county had a population of 24,655. The county seat and largest city is Burley. Cassia County is included in the Burley, ID Micropolitan Statistical Area.

77
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #289 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a diverse landscape with a population density of 10.0 people per square mile, allowing for spacious living and a rural lifestyle. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 46.5°F, with summer highs reaching 85.2°F and winter lows averaging 18.7°F. The growing season is moderate, supported by 16.2 inches of annual rainfall, making it suitable for a variety of crops. However, the dry sub-humid classification may require careful water management for self-sufficient living.

The county faces several natural hazards, with wildfire risk ranked at 95, indicating a significant threat during dry seasons. Winter weather also poses a challenge, ranked at 82, which could affect transportation and daily activities. While the area has a lower violence percentile of 40, indicating relative safety, the cost of living is moderate, with median home prices at $227,100. Potential residents should consider these risks when evaluating their suitability for homesteading.

This location may be a good fit for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with space to grow, particularly individuals comfortable managing natural hazards and willing to adapt to seasonal weather challenges. However, it may not suit those who require robust infrastructure or are averse to the risks associated with wildfires and winter weather. The effective property tax rate of 0.48% is a potential hidden gem for budget-conscious homesteaders.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #609 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#12 of 44 in ID
Ranked #12 of 44 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: wildfire
FEMA ranks wildfire risk at 95/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
10.0 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as dry sub-humid with a 46.5°F annual mean and 16.2" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 7b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $227,100.

Score Breakdown

Violence
8
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
43
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
18
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
43.6
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Avalanche 57
Cold Wave 43
Drought 25
Earthquake 75
Hail 11
Heat Wave 57
Riverine Flood 53
Ice Storm 14
Landslide 50
Lightning 69
Strong Wind 23
Tornado 10
Volcano 47
Wildfire 95
Winter Weather 82

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
85.2°F
Winter low
18.7°F
Heating degree days
7,099
Cooling degree days
395

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$227,100
Median HH income
$63,525
Price to income
3.6×
Property tax rate
0.48%
~$1,091/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
33.1
Homeownership
69.3%
Poverty rate
10.4%
Unemployment
3%

Connectivity

Broadband households
61.3%
No internet access
10%

Explore Cassia 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.