Delaware County, OH
226,296 residents · 443 sq mi · 510.7/sq mi · 20% rural
About Delaware County
Delaware County is located in the central portion of the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 214,124. Its county seat and largest city is Delaware. The county was formed in 1808 from Franklin County, Ohio. Both the county and its seat are named after the Delaware Indian tribe. It is a frequent placeholder on the List of highest-income counties in the United States; Delaware County was listed as the 35th wealthiest county in the United States in 2020. Delaware County is included in the Columbus, Ohio, metropolitan area. U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes was born and raised in Delaware County. It is also home to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Prepper Assessment
This area features a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with a population density of 510.7 people per square mile, indicating a relatively developed environment. The climate is classified as humid, with an annual mean temperature of 51.9°F and an average rainfall of 40.8 inches per year. The growing season is amenable, supported by USDA zone 8a, which allows for a variety of crops, though the relatively high density may limit some self-sufficient living opportunities.
Natural hazards present notable risks, with the county scoring high on FEMA's disaster percentile at 79/100. The leading threats include hail (ranked 89), winter weather (88), and ice storms (87), which can pose significant challenges to homesteading. Additionally, the median home price of $393,000 may be a barrier for those seeking affordable land for self-sufficient living, despite the low violence percentile of 2/100 indicating a safer environment.
This county may be a good fit for those who can afford higher property costs and prefer a suburban setting with access to amenities. Families or individuals seeking a balance between rural and urban living may thrive here. However, those looking for remote, self-sufficient homesteading opportunities might find the population density and associated costs to be a dealbreaker.