Hunt & Live

Sherman County, KS

5,830 residents · 1,056 sq mi · 5.5/sq mi · 25% rural

Climate
52°F
18.8" rain/yr
Water
dry sub-humid
Aridity index 0.79
Hardiness
Zone 7b
Winter low ~7.2°F

About Sherman County

Sherman is an unincorporated community in Cherokee County, Kansas, United States.

74
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #361 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in Sherman County offers a mix of rural charm and a semi-arid climate, with an annual mean temperature of 52.0°F and 18.8 inches of rainfall. The growing season is moderate, suitable for crops adapted to USDA zone 7b. The terrain is relatively flat, which may appeal to those looking for open spaces for farming or livestock. However, water availability is limited due to the dry sub-humid classification, necessitating careful planning for self-sufficient living.

Natural hazards in this area include hail (FEMA rank 85) and strong winds (rank 80), which could pose risks to crops and structures. The county has a moderate violence percentile of 58/100, indicating some safety concerns, while the disaster percentile is quite favorable at 11/100. The cost of living appears manageable with median home prices at $123,900 and a median household income of $61,404, but the dry climate may challenge long-term agricultural sustainability.

This county may suit individuals or families seeking a quieter, more spacious lifestyle with a focus on self-sufficiency, particularly if they are prepared to manage water resources carefully. Those who thrive here will likely be adaptable and resourceful, ready to face occasional severe weather. However, urban dwellers or those reliant on consistent water supply for agriculture may find the dry conditions and risk of hail a dealbreaker.

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

Key Facts

Top 10% nationally
National prepper rank: #319 of 3,109.
#25 of 105 in KS
Ranked #25 of 105 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hail
FEMA ranks hail risk at 85/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
5.5 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as dry sub-humid with a 52.0°F annual mean and 18.8" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 7b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $123,900.

Score Breakdown

Violence
54
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
11
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
12
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
11.2
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 34
Drought 58
Earthquake 17
Hail 85
Heat Wave 4
Riverine Flood 8
Ice Storm 18
Landslide 3
Lightning 18
Strong Wind 80
Tornado 33
Wildfire 28
Winter Weather 69

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
90.7°F
Winter low
17.2°F
Heating degree days
5,699
Cooling degree days
1,002

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$123,900
Median HH income
$61,404
Price to income
Property tax rate
1.44%
~$1,785/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
38
Homeownership
65.1%
Poverty rate
10.5%
Unemployment
2.4%

Connectivity

Broadband households
73.4%
No internet access
10.1%

Explore Sherman 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.