Hunt & Live

Linn County, KS

9,796 residents · 594 sq mi · 16.5/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
56.1°F
41.8" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.53
Hardiness
Zone 8a
Winter low ~12.1°F

About Linn County

Linn County is a county in the U.S. state of Kansas, located along the eastern edge of Kansas. Its county seat is Mound City, and its most populous city is Pleasanton. As of the 2020 census, the county population was 9,591. The county was named for Lewis Linn, a U.S. Senator from Missouri.

70
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #522 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a rural experience with a low population density of 16.5 people per square mile, promoting a sense of remoteness. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 56.1°F and receives 41.8 inches of rainfall per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 8a. However, the summer highs can reach 89.1°F, which may necessitate careful water management for self-sufficient living.

The primary natural hazards include winter weather and hail, both ranked at 58 by FEMA, indicating a moderate risk. Additionally, the county's violence percentile is 76, suggesting a relatively safe environment, while the disaster percentile at 12 indicates low overall risk from disasters. The median home price is $148,200, which is reasonable, but potential homesteaders should consider the 56% broadband subscription rate, which could affect remote work opportunities.

This county may suit individuals or families seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle with manageable natural risks. Those who thrive here are likely self-sufficient and adaptable, able to handle seasonal extremes and occasional severe weather. However, individuals reliant on high-speed internet or urban amenities may find this area challenging, as broadband access is limited and the rural setting may isolate those accustomed to city life.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #778 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#70 of 105 in KS
Ranked #70 of 105 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: landslide
FEMA ranks landslide risk at 58/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
16.5 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 56.1°F annual mean and 41.8" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $148,200.

Score Breakdown

Violence
54
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
12
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
25
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
12.2
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 24
Drought 41
Earthquake 30
Hail 56
Hurricane 11
Heat Wave 46
Riverine Flood 23
Ice Storm 46
Landslide 58
Lightning 20
Strong Wind 45
Tornado 39
Wildfire 36
Winter Weather 58

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
89.1°F
Winter low
22.1°F
Heating degree days
4,686
Cooling degree days
1,470

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$148,200
Median HH income
$56,697
Price to income
2.6×
Property tax rate
1.06%
~$1,569/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
45
Homeownership
81.6%
Poverty rate
11.5%
Unemployment
4.4%

Connectivity

Broadband households
55.9%
No internet access
20.2%

Explore Linn 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.