Hunt & Live

Ellis County, OK

3,657 residents · 1,232 sq mi · 3.0/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
58.2°F
24.5" rain/yr
Water
dry sub-humid
Aridity index 0.85
Hardiness
Zone 8a
Winter low ~12.9°F

About Ellis County

Ellis County is a county located on the western border of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of the 2020 census, the population was 3,749, making it the fifth-least populous county in Oklahoma. Its county seat is Arnett.

65
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #706 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a rural lifestyle with a low population density of 3.0 people per square mile, providing ample space for self-sufficient living. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 58.2°F and 24.5 inches of rainfall, which supports a growing season suitable for various crops. However, being classified as dry sub-humid with an aridity index of 0.85 may limit water availability for extensive agricultural endeavors, particularly during drought periods.

Risks in the county include significant natural hazards such as ice storms (FEMA rank 95) and drought (rank 94), which can disrupt food production and daily life. The wildfire risk is also notable, with a FEMA rank of 85. While the area has a lower violence percentile of 80, indicating a relatively safer environment, the 56% broadband subscription rate might pose challenges for those reliant on high-speed internet for work or communication. Additionally, the median home price of $106,800 could be a barrier for some seeking affordable housing.

This county may be a good fit for individuals or families who prioritize a quiet, rural lifestyle and are prepared to manage the risks associated with severe weather. Those with experience in agriculture or who are willing to invest in water conservation will likely thrive here. However, individuals needing consistent access to modern amenities and services, such as high-speed internet, may find the area less accommodating. The potential for drought and ice storms could be a dealbreaker for those unprepared for such challenges.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #753 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#5 in OK
Top 5 counties in Oklahoma out of 77.
Dominant hazard: ice storm
FEMA ranks ice storm risk at 95/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Extremely rural
Only 3.0 people per square mile — fewer than 5/sqmi places you in the bottom 5% nationally for density.
Climate profile
Classified as dry sub-humid with a 58.2°F annual mean and 24.5" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $106,800.

Score Breakdown

Violence
74
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
25
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
7
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
24.8
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 53
Drought 94
Earthquake 23
Hail 63
Hurricane 25
Heat Wave 29
Riverine Flood 7
Ice Storm 95
Landslide 37
Lightning 8
Strong Wind 39
Tornado 38
Wildfire 85
Winter Weather 55

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
93.7°F
Winter low
22.9°F
Heating degree days
4,141
Cooling degree days
1,680

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$106,800
Median HH income
$57,768
Price to income
1.8×
Property tax rate
0.69%
~$741/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
43.8
Homeownership
81.6%
Poverty rate
14.7%
Unemployment
8.8%

Connectivity

Broadband households
56.3%
No internet access
15.2%

Explore Ellis 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.