Hunt & Live

Major County, OK

7,502 residents · 955 sq mi · 7.9/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
59.4°F
30" rain/yr
Water
dry sub-humid
Aridity index 0.99
Hardiness
Zone 8a
Winter low ~14.3°F

About Major County

Major County is a county in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of the 2020 census, its population was 7,782. Its county seat is Fairview. The county was created in 1907.

59
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #954 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in Major County offers a predominantly rural lifestyle with a population density of just 7.9 people per square mile. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 59.4°F and an average rainfall of 30 inches, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 8a. However, the dry sub-humid classification indicates a need for efficient water management, particularly during drier periods, which may limit certain self-sufficient agricultural practices.

Major County faces notable natural hazards, including ice storms (FEMA rank 93) and hail (rank 92), which can disrupt daily life and agricultural activities. The region also experiences drought (rank 86) and cold waves (rank 76), posing additional challenges for homesteaders reliant on consistent weather patterns. With a violence percentile of 94, safety is generally favorable, but residents should remain aware of local crime trends and the implications of living in a rural area.

This county may appeal to those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with affordable housing, as evidenced by a median home price of $123,200. Individuals who thrive here are likely adaptable and prepared for the challenges of weather variability and rural living. However, those seeking robust infrastructure and high-speed internet may find the 53% broadband subscription rate limiting, as well as the potential for severe weather events that could disrupt self-sufficient practices.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,402 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#26 of 77 in OK
Ranked #26 of 77 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: ice storm
FEMA ranks ice storm risk at 93/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
7.9 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as dry sub-humid with a 59.4°F annual mean and 30.0" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $123,200.

Score Breakdown

Violence
74
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
34
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
15
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
34.2
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 76
Drought 86
Earthquake 28
Hail 92
Hurricane 23
Heat Wave 46
Riverine Flood 14
Ice Storm 93
Landslide 58
Lightning 7
Strong Wind 32
Tornado 41
Wildfire 66
Winter Weather 29

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
95.3°F
Winter low
24.3°F
Heating degree days
3,935
Cooling degree days
1,925

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$123,200
Median HH income
$67,621
Price to income
1.8×
Property tax rate
0.63%
~$777/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
42.2
Homeownership
82.1%
Poverty rate
11.6%
Unemployment
1.8%

Connectivity

Broadband households
53.2%
No internet access
9.7%

Explore Major 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.