Hunt & Live

Jefferson County, OK

5,389 residents · 759 sq mi · 7.1/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
63.3°F
35.1" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.03
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~19.9°F

About Jefferson County

Jefferson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of the 2020 census, the population was 5,337. Its county seat is Waurika. The county was created at statehood and named in honor of President Thomas Jefferson.

64
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #748 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural lifestyle with a low population density of 7.1 people per square mile. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 63.3°F and receives about 35.1 inches of rain per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops, particularly in USDA zone 8b. However, the region's humidity, indicated by an aridity index of 1.03, may pose challenges for certain crops and necessitate careful water management.

Natural hazards in this area include a high drought risk (FEMA rank 92) and significant wildfire potential (rank 78), which could impact self-sufficient living. Additionally, while the violence percentile is relatively low at 80/100, indicating a safer environment, the overall disaster percentile at 21/100 suggests that residents should be prepared for occasional severe weather events. The median home price of $72,200 is relatively affordable, but only 40% of households have broadband, which may limit access to information and services.

This county may appeal to individuals or families seeking an affordable, rural lifestyle with a focus on agriculture and self-sufficiency. Those who thrive here are likely comfortable with remote living and prepared for potential environmental challenges. However, individuals reliant on modern conveniences or high-speed internet may find this area less suitable, as connectivity is limited and natural hazards require careful consideration in planning a homestead.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #813 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#7 of 77 in OK
Ranked #7 of 77 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: drought
FEMA ranks drought risk at 92/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
7.1 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 63.3°F annual mean and 35.1" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $72,200.

Score Breakdown

Violence
74
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
21
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
14
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
20.9
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 24
Drought 92
Earthquake 34
Hail 41
Hurricane 33
Heat Wave 50
Riverine Flood 14
Ice Storm 62
Landslide 21
Lightning 7
Strong Wind 68
Tornado 54
Wildfire 78
Winter Weather 19

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
95.7°F
Winter low
29.9°F
Heating degree days
2,895
Cooling degree days
2,289

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$72,200
Median HH income
$48,346
Price to income
1.5×
Property tax rate
0.69%
~$495/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
40.9
Homeownership
72.3%
Poverty rate
23.1%
Unemployment
4.3%

Connectivity

Broadband households
39.5%
No internet access
24.7%

Explore Jefferson 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.