Hunt & Live

Clark County, OH

134,831 residents · 396 sq mi · 340.6/sq mi · 25% rural

Climate
51.9°F
42.3" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.77
Hardiness
Zone 8a
Winter low ~10.5°F

About Clark County

Clark County is a county located in the west central portion of the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 136,001. Its county seat and largest city is Springfield. The county was created on March 1, 1818, and was named for General George Rogers Clark, a hero of the American Revolution. Clark County comprises the Springfield, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Dayton-Springfield-Sidney-OH Combined Statistical Area.

21
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2883 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Clark County features a humid climate with an annual mean temperature of 51.9°F and approximately 42.3 inches of rainfall per year. This area experiences a growing season typical for USDA zone 8a, allowing for a variety of crops. However, the population density at 340.6 people per square mile may limit the availability of remote land for self-sufficient living, despite 25% of the county being rural. Water availability is generally good, but the region's susceptibility to flooding could impact agricultural productivity.

The county faces notable natural hazards, including significant risks from ice storms (FEMA rank 87) and riverine flooding (rank 84), which can disrupt daily life and agricultural activities. Tornadoes (rank 82) and hail (rank 82) also pose threats. While the median home price is relatively affordable at $144,900, the higher violence percentile of 77/100 suggests safety concerns in certain areas. This combination of risks may deter some potential homesteaders seeking a more stable environment.

This county may be suitable for those who can adapt to its natural hazards and appreciate a community with a mix of urban and rural living. Individuals with experience in managing risks associated with severe weather and a willingness to engage in a more densely populated area may thrive here. However, those seeking a remote, low-risk homesteading experience may find the county's challenges, particularly the high density and natural hazards, to be dealbreakers.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #2,991 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#82 of 88 in OH
Ranked #82 of 88 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: ice storm
FEMA ranks ice storm risk at 87/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 341/sqmi
Densely populated at 341 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 51.9°F annual mean and 42.3" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $144,900.

Score Breakdown

Violence
72
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
77
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
88
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
77.1
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 67
Drought 53
Earthquake 79
Hail 82
Hurricane 40
Heat Wave 63
Riverine Flood 84
Ice Storm 87
Landslide 50
Lightning 78
Strong Wind 82
Tornado 82
Wildfire 25
Winter Weather 82

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
83.8°F
Winter low
20.5°F
Heating degree days
5,577
Cooling degree days
848

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$144,900
Median HH income
$58,954
Price to income
2.5×
Property tax rate
1.3%
~$1,889/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
41.4
Homeownership
68.5%
Poverty rate
15.6%
Unemployment
6.8%

Connectivity

Broadband households
72.2%
No internet access
9.3%

Explore Clark 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.