Hunt & Live

Wood County, OH

131,592 residents · 617 sq mi · 213.2/sq mi · 30% rural

Climate
51.3°F
35.3" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.5
Hardiness
Zone 7b
Winter low ~9.6°F

About Wood County

Wood County is a county located in the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 132,248. Its county seat is Bowling Green. The county was named for Captain Eleazer D. Wood, the engineer for General William Henry Harrison's army, who built Fort Meigs during the War of 1812. Wood County is part of the Toledo, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area. Its diagonal northwest border is formed by the Maumee River, which has its mouth at Maumee Bay on Lake Erie.

38
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2329 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a mix of rural and suburban environments, with a population density of 213.2 people per square mile. The climate is humid, with an annual mean temperature of 51.3°F and an average rainfall of 35.3 inches, supporting a growing season typical for USDA zone 7b. Access to the Maumee River provides a water source, but self-sufficient living could be limited by the relatively high population density and urban influences in some regions.

Natural hazards present significant risks in this area, with notable threats including ice storms (FEMA rank 83), tornadoes (80), and hail (76). The disaster percentile ranks at 66, indicating a higher likelihood of experiencing adverse weather events compared to many other counties. While the violence percentile is low at 5, indicating a safer environment, the cost of living is moderate, with median home prices around $203,300 and property taxes at 1.39%, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious individuals.

This county may appeal to those seeking a balance of rural living with some suburban amenities, particularly families or individuals who can manage the risks associated with extreme weather. However, it may not be ideal for those seeking complete seclusion or extensive homesteading opportunities due to the higher population density. A potential dealbreaker could be the area's vulnerability to severe weather events, while the presence of broadband access might be a hidden gem for those needing connectivity.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,611 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#41 of 88 in OH
Ranked #41 of 88 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: ice storm
FEMA ranks ice storm risk at 83/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 213/sqmi
Densely populated at 213 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 51.3°F annual mean and 35.3" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 7b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $203,300.

Score Breakdown

Violence
39
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
66
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
83
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
65.7
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Coastal Flood 13
Cold Wave 52
Earthquake 70
Hail 76
Hurricane 44
Heat Wave 47
Riverine Flood 76
Ice Storm 83
Landslide 30
Lightning 47
Strong Wind 57
Tornado 81
Wildfire 14
Winter Weather 73

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
84.8°F
Winter low
19.6°F
Heating degree days
5,851
Cooling degree days
874

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$203,300
Median HH income
$70,537
Price to income
2.9×
Property tax rate
1.39%
~$2,826/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
35.4
Homeownership
64.1%
Poverty rate
12.9%
Unemployment
4.9%

Connectivity

Broadband households
74.3%
No internet access
6.5%

Explore Wood 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.