Hunt & Live

Nemaha County, NE

7,035 residents · 407 sq mi · 17.3/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
52.3°F
33.5" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.35
Hardiness
Zone 7b
Winter low ~5.4°F

About Nemaha County

Nemaha County is a county in the U.S. state of Nebraska. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 7,074. Its county seat is Auburn.

82
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #167 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural experience with a population density of 17.3 people per square mile, making it suitable for those seeking space and solitude. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 52.3°F, with a growing season supported by 33.5 inches of rainfall per year. USDA zone 7b allows for a variety of crops, though the region's humidity and potential droughts may require careful water management for self-sufficient living.

While the county has a low violence percentile at 24/100, indicating relative safety, it faces notable natural hazards such as drought (77), landslide (71), and wildfire (67). The cost of living is reasonable, with a median home price of $118,300 and property taxes at 1.39%. However, the potential for drought and heat waves may pose challenges for agriculture and water supply, which should be considered by prospective homesteaders.

This county could be a good fit for individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with the ability to grow their own food. Those who thrive here are likely self-sufficient and adaptable, prepared for the challenges posed by weather variability. However, the potential for drought and the need for effective water management may deter less experienced homesteaders or those reliant on consistent agricultural outputs.

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

Key Facts

Top 5% nationally
National prepper rank: #150 of 3,109.
#46 of 93 in NE
Ranked #46 of 93 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: drought
FEMA ranks drought risk at 77/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
17.3 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 52.3°F annual mean and 33.5" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 7b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $118,300.

Score Breakdown

Violence
17
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
13
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
25
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
13.4
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 30
Drought 77
Earthquake 13
Hail 59
Heat Wave 53
Riverine Flood 16
Ice Storm 39
Landslide 71
Lightning 17
Strong Wind 27
Tornado 49
Wildfire 67
Winter Weather 20

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
87.1°F
Winter low
15.4°F
Heating degree days
5,767
Cooling degree days
1,172

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$118,300
Median HH income
$57,196
Price to income
2.1×
Property tax rate
1.39%
~$1,645/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
38.6
Homeownership
69.7%
Poverty rate
15.3%
Unemployment
6.4%

Connectivity

Broadband households
58.5%
No internet access
15.7%

Explore Nemaha 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.