Hunt & Live

Nemaha County, KS

10,115 residents · 717 sq mi · 14.1/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
52.7°F
34.1" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.37
Hardiness
Zone 7b
Winter low ~5.8°F

About Nemaha County

Nemaha County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Kansas. Its county seat is Seneca. As of the 2020 census, the county population was 10,273. The county was named for the Nemaha River.

69
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #553 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a rural lifestyle with a population density of 14.1 people per square mile, making it quite spacious. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 52.7°F, with a growing season supported by 34.1 inches of rainfall per year, suitable for a variety of crops typical of USDA zone 7b. The humid environment can be beneficial for gardening, but the potential for tornadoes and ice storms may pose challenges for self-sufficient living.

The county faces notable natural hazards, including a FEMA wildfire risk ranking of 83 and a tornado risk ranking of 58, which should be carefully considered by potential residents. While the overall disaster percentile is relatively low at 17, the area does experience severe weather events that could impact homesteading efforts. Additionally, with a median home price of $174,500 and a property tax rate of 1.01%, affordability may be a concern for some families.

This county could be a good fit for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with a decent income, as indicated by a median household income of $72,788. Individuals who thrive in self-sufficient environments and can manage the risks associated with severe weather would likely do well here. However, those who are not prepared for potential hazards or who require robust infrastructure may find this area less suitable for their needs.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #541 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#51 of 105 in KS
Ranked #51 of 105 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: wildfire
FEMA ranks wildfire risk at 83/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
14.1 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 52.7°F annual mean and 34.1" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 7b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $174,500.

Score Breakdown

Violence
54
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
17
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
22
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
17.4
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 13
Drought 53
Earthquake 22
Hail 55
Heat Wave 51
Riverine Flood 23
Ice Storm 60
Landslide 50
Lightning 20
Strong Wind 32
Tornado 58
Wildfire 83
Winter Weather 58

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
88°F
Winter low
15.8°F
Heating degree days
5,643
Cooling degree days
1,190

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$174,500
Median HH income
$72,788
Price to income
2.4×
Property tax rate
1.01%
~$1,759/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
40
Homeownership
77%
Poverty rate
8.7%
Unemployment
1.7%

Connectivity

Broadband households
58.3%
No internet access
12.9%

Explore Nemaha 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.