Hunt & Live

Pershing County, NV

6,462 residents · 6,037 sq mi · 1.1/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
51°F
9.1" rain/yr
Water
arid
Aridity index 0.4
Hardiness
Zone 8a
Winter low ~10.7°F

About Pershing County

Pershing County is a county in the U.S. state of Nevada. As of the 2020 census, the population was 6,650. Its county seat is Lovelock. The county is listed as Nevada Historical Marker 17. The marker is at the courthouse in Lovelock.

85
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #92 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

This area features a vast, rural landscape with a low population density of 1.1 people per square mile, making it suitable for those seeking solitude. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 51.0°F and an average of 9.1 inches of rainfall per year, which may limit agricultural options. The USDA zone 8a allows for a moderate growing season, but the arid classification indicates that water management will be crucial for self-sufficient living.

Natural hazards pose notable risks, with wildfire and drought being significant concerns, ranked at 87 and 77 respectively by FEMA. The county's violence percentile is relatively high at 87, indicating potential safety concerns. While the cost of living is manageable, with a median home price of $164,400 and low property tax at 0.71%, the remoteness may lead to challenges in accessing services and resources, particularly for those reliant on broadband, which is only available to 44% of households.

This county may appeal to self-sufficient individuals or families who prioritize rural living and can adapt to the challenges of an arid environment. Those with skills in water conservation and wildfire management may thrive here. However, individuals seeking a vibrant community or extensive amenities may find the isolation and limited broadband connectivity a dealbreaker. The area's low density and affordable housing can be a hidden gem for those prepared to embrace a quiet, self-reliant lifestyle.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #512 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#3 in NV
Top 5 counties in Nevada out of 17.
Dominant hazard: wildfire
FEMA ranks wildfire risk at 87/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Extremely rural
Only 1.1 people per square mile — fewer than 5/sqmi places you in the bottom 5% nationally for density.
Climate profile
Classified as arid with a 51.0°F annual mean and 9.1" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $164,400.

Score Breakdown

Violence
37
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
6
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
2
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
6
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Avalanche 48
Cold Wave 2
Drought 77
Earthquake 55
Hail 1
Heat Wave 32
Riverine Flood 8
Ice Storm 15
Landslide 54
Lightning 11
Strong Wind 2
Tornado 1
Volcano 31
Wildfire 87
Winter Weather 26

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
91.7°F
Winter low
20.7°F
Heating degree days
5,808
Cooling degree days
742

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$164,400
Median HH income
$66,304
Price to income
2.5×
Property tax rate
0.71%
~$1,166/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
40.4
Homeownership
73%
Poverty rate
9.8%
Unemployment
8.5%

Connectivity

Broadband households
43.8%
No internet access
15.7%

Explore Pershing 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.