Hunt & Live

Wabash County, IL

11,087 residents · 223 sq mi · 49.6/sq mi · 39% rural

Climate
55.9°F
47.4" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.76
Hardiness
Zone 8a
Winter low ~13.6°F

About Wabash County

Wabash County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2020 census, it had a population of 11,361. Its county seat is Mount Carmel. It is located in the southern portion of Illinois known locally as "Little Egypt".

55
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1189 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

This area features a mix of rural and suburban living, with a population density of 49.6 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 55.9°F and 47.4 inches of rainfall, which supports a growing season suitable for various crops, as it falls within USDA zone 8a. The humid climate and relatively mild winters can be advantageous for self-sufficient living, although the potential for drought may limit water availability during drier periods.

Notable natural hazards include a high risk of earthquakes (FEMA rank 86) and drought (rank 68), which may pose significant challenges for long-term survival and farming. While the area has a lower violence percentile of 17/100, indicating a safer environment, the overall disaster percentile of 25/100 suggests some exposure to various risks. The median home price of $94,100 is relatively affordable, but potential property tax rates of 1.57% should be factored into budget considerations.

This county may suit individuals or families seeking a quieter lifestyle with access to agricultural opportunities, particularly those who can manage the risks of natural hazards. Homesteaders with experience in earthquake preparedness and drought management may thrive here. However, those looking for urban amenities or extensive broadband access may find the 56% broadband subscription rate lacking, which could be a dealbreaker for some who rely on connectivity for work or education.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #504 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#27 of 102 in IL
Ranked #27 of 102 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: earthquake
FEMA ranks earthquake risk at 86/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
49.6 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 55.9°F annual mean and 47.4" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $94,100.

Score Breakdown

Violence
57
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
25
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
53
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
24.8
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 26
Drought 68
Earthquake 86
Hail 22
Hurricane 16
Heat Wave 55
Riverine Flood 26
Ice Storm 30
Landslide 43
Lightning 15
Strong Wind 35
Tornado 29
Wildfire 0
Winter Weather 41

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
87.9°F
Winter low
23.6°F
Heating degree days
4,644
Cooling degree days
1,367

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$94,100
Median HH income
$54,074
Price to income
1.7×
Property tax rate
1.57%
~$1,480/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
43.8
Homeownership
76.8%
Poverty rate
13.3%
Unemployment
4.4%

Connectivity

Broadband households
56%
No internet access
15.9%

Explore Wabash 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.