Hunt & Live

LaMoure County, ND

4,098 residents · 1,146 sq mi · 3.6/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
41.8°F
21.8" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.14
Hardiness
Zone 6a
Winter low ~-8.4°F

About LaMoure County

LaMoure County is a county in the U.S. state of North Dakota. As of the 2020 census, the population was 4,093, and was estimated to be 4,135 in 2025. The county seat and the largest city is LaMoure.

83
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #127 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in LaMoure County offers a predominantly rural experience with a low population density of 3.6 people per square mile. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 41.8°F, with summer highs reaching 81.3°F and winter lows dipping to 1.6°F. The area receives about 21.8 inches of rainfall annually, supporting a humid environment suitable for diverse crops. The growing season aligns with USDA zone 6a, allowing for a variety of self-sufficient agricultural practices.

However, residents should be aware of the significant natural hazards in this area. The FEMA data indicates a high risk for winter weather (ranked 76) and cold waves (ranked 72), which can impact daily life and agricultural activities. While the county has a relatively low violence percentile at 42/100, the economic landscape shows a median home price of $116,900, which may be a barrier for some. Additionally, the effective property tax rate is 0.97%, which could affect long-term financial planning.

LaMoure County is well-suited for individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle and who are prepared to manage the challenges posed by harsh winters. Homesteaders with experience in cold-climate agriculture and those who value privacy and low-density living may thrive here. Conversely, those unaccustomed to extreme weather or seeking urban amenities might find this area less appealing. The county's low disaster percentile offers a hidden gem for those prioritizing safety from natural hazards.

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

Key Facts

Top 5% nationally
National prepper rank: #141 of 3,109.
#27 of 53 in ND
Ranked #27 of 53 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: winter weather
FEMA ranks winter weather risk at 76/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Extremely rural
Only 3.6 people per square mile — fewer than 5/sqmi places you in the bottom 5% nationally for density.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 41.8°F annual mean and 21.8" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 6a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $116,900.

Score Breakdown

Violence
31
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
11
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
8
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
10.9
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 72
Drought 22
Earthquake 3
Hail 71
Heat Wave 11
Riverine Flood 6
Ice Storm 61
Landslide 23
Lightning 1
Strong Wind 60
Tornado 20
Wildfire 38
Winter Weather 76

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
81.3°F
Winter low
1.6°F
Heating degree days
8,908
Cooling degree days
475

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$116,900
Median HH income
$70,227
Price to income
1.7×
Property tax rate
0.97%
~$1,138/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
45.8
Homeownership
84.4%
Poverty rate
12.2%
Unemployment
1.7%

Connectivity

Broadband households
72.9%
No internet access
14.4%

Explore LaMoure 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.