Hunt & Live

Warren County, IN

8,461 residents · 365 sq mi · 23.2/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
51.5°F
40" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.67
Hardiness
Zone 7b
Winter low ~7.3°F

About Warren County

Warren County is a county in the U.S. state of Indiana. It lies in the western part of the state between the Illinois state line and the Wabash River. According to the 2020 census, it had a population of 8,440. Its county seat is Williamsport.

73
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #410 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural lifestyle, with a low population density of 23.2 people per square mile. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 51.5°F and receives about 40 inches of rain annually, which supports a growing season suitable for various crops, particularly in USDA zone 7b. Water availability is generally sufficient in this humid region, making it conducive to self-sufficient living, although the cold winters may limit some agricultural activities.

The county faces several natural hazards, with landslides ranked at 52 and cold waves at 43 on the FEMA scale, indicating potential risks for residents. While the violence percentile is relatively low at 37, indicating a safer environment, the cost of living is manageable with a median home price of $151,400 and a low property tax rate of 0.51%. However, the area's broadband subscription rate of 50% may limit access to online resources, which could be a drawback for those seeking remote work or digital connectivity.

This location may suit individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with reasonable access to resources. It is ideal for preppers or homesteaders who can adapt to cold winters and manage risks related to landslides. Conversely, those relying heavily on digital connectivity or urban amenities may find this area less appealing. The hidden gem here is the affordability of housing, while a potential dealbreaker could be the limited broadband access.

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

Key Facts

Top 8% nationally
National prepper rank: #264 of 3,109.
#2 in IN
Top 5 counties in Indiana out of 92.
Dominant hazard: landslide
FEMA ranks landslide risk at 52/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
23.2 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 51.5°F annual mean and 40.0" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 7b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $151,400.

Score Breakdown

Violence
44
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
6
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
32
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
5.8
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 43
Drought 39
Earthquake 37
Hail 29
Hurricane 24
Heat Wave 23
Riverine Flood 12
Ice Storm 16
Landslide 52
Lightning 6
Strong Wind 22
Tornado 24
Wildfire 3
Winter Weather 30

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
84.4°F
Winter low
17.3°F
Heating degree days
5,812
Cooling degree days
912

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$151,400
Median HH income
$72,833
Price to income
2.1×
Property tax rate
0.51%
~$777/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
43.7
Homeownership
80.6%
Poverty rate
12.5%
Unemployment
3.1%

Connectivity

Broadband households
49.7%
No internet access
11.9%

Explore Warren 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.