Hunt & Live

Wells County, IN

28,335 residents · 368 sq mi · 77.0/sq mi · 63% rural

Climate
51°F
40.5" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.73
Hardiness
Zone 7b
Winter low ~8.7°F

About Wells County

Wells County is a county in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 28,180. Its seat of government is Bluffton. Wells County is included in the Fort Wayne Metropolitan Statistical Area and the

Fort Wayne—Huntington—Auburn Combined Statistical Area.

56
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1101 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and moderate climate. With an annual mean temperature of 51.0°F and an average of 40.5 inches of rainfall, the growing season is adequate for various crops, particularly in USDA zone 7b. The terrain is primarily flat, which can facilitate farming and homesteading activities. However, the 63% rural population suggests that while there is space, resources may be limited depending on local infrastructure and community support.

The county does face several natural hazards, with tornado risk ranked at 59 and strong wind at 51, indicating a significant potential for severe weather events. The disaster percentile at 23 suggests a relatively safe environment, but the violence percentile of 15 indicates lower safety concerns in terms of crime. Additionally, the median home price of $161,300 is reasonable, although the cost of living may vary based on specific locations within the county.

This area may suit individuals or families seeking a quieter, rural lifestyle with access to basic amenities. Those with experience in self-sufficient living or agriculture may thrive here, given the favorable growing conditions. However, individuals unprepared for the risks of severe weather or those needing extensive urban conveniences might find the county less suitable for their needs. The low property tax rate of 0.50% could be a hidden gem for potential buyers.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #640 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#13 of 92 in IN
Ranked #13 of 92 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: tornado
FEMA ranks tornado risk at 59/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
77.0 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 51.0°F annual mean and 40.5" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 7b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $161,300.

Score Breakdown

Violence
44
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
23
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
65
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
22.8
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 25
Drought 40
Earthquake 50
Hail 34
Hurricane 27
Heat Wave 48
Riverine Flood 38
Ice Storm 20
Landslide 22
Lightning 19
Strong Wind 51
Tornado 59
Wildfire 5
Winter Weather 12

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
84°F
Winter low
18.7°F
Heating degree days
5,897
Cooling degree days
834

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$161,300
Median HH income
$68,074
Price to income
2.4×
Property tax rate
0.5%
~$800/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
40.6
Homeownership
77.3%
Poverty rate
6.4%
Unemployment
2.4%

Connectivity

Broadband households
58.2%
No internet access
14.7%

Explore Wells 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.