Hunt & Live

Kosciusko County, IN

80,826 residents · 531 sq mi · 152.1/sq mi · 48% rural

Climate
49.9°F
39" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.71
Hardiness
Zone 7b
Winter low ~7.1°F

About Kosciusko County

Kosciusko County is a county in the U.S. state of Indiana. At the 2020 United States census, its population was 80,240. The county seat is Warsaw. The county was organized in 1836. It was named after the Polish general Tadeusz Kościuszko who served in the American Revolutionary War and then returned to Poland. The county seat is named after Warsaw, the capital of Poland.

37
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2352 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 152.1 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 49.9°F and 39 inches of rainfall per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 7b. Water availability is adequate, but the region's humid classification indicates potential challenges in managing water resources during drier spells.

Natural hazards in the area include strong winds (FEMA rank 91) and tornadoes (rank 86), which could pose risks for structures and safety. While the violence percentile is low at 11/100, indicating a relatively safe environment, the disaster percentile at 66/100 suggests that residents should be prepared for various emergency situations. The median home price is $183,300, which may be a barrier for some seeking affordable housing.

This county may be a good fit for those seeking a blend of rural and suburban life, particularly individuals who are prepared for potential weather-related challenges. Those with a higher tolerance for natural hazards and a focus on community engagement may thrive here. Conversely, individuals looking for a completely remote setting or who are concerned about the risks of strong winds and tornadoes may find this area less suitable for their homesteading goals.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,673 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#57 of 92 in IN
Ranked #57 of 92 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: strong wind
FEMA ranks strong wind risk at 91/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 152/sqmi
Densely populated at 152 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 49.9°F annual mean and 39.0" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 7b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $183,300.

Score Breakdown

Violence
44
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
66
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
79
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
66.3
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 85
Drought 60
Earthquake 68
Hail 53
Hurricane 42
Heat Wave 58
Riverine Flood 64
Ice Storm 41
Landslide 53
Lightning 68
Strong Wind 91
Tornado 86
Wildfire 24
Winter Weather 58

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
83.4°F
Winter low
17.1°F
Heating degree days
6,202
Cooling degree days
745

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$183,300
Median HH income
$70,945
Price to income
2.6×
Property tax rate
0.61%
~$1,122/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
39
Homeownership
76.1%
Poverty rate
8.9%
Unemployment
3.3%

Connectivity

Broadband households
65.3%
No internet access
12.2%

Explore Kosciusko 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.