Luzerne County, PA
326,369 residents · 890 sq mi · 366.8/sq mi · 22% rural
About Luzerne County
Luzerne County is a home rule county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 906 square miles (2,350 km2), of which 890 square miles (2,300 km2) is land and 16 square miles (41 km2) is water. It is Northeastern Pennsylvania's second-largest county by total area. As of the 2020 census, the population was 325,594, making it the most populous county in the northeastern part of the state. The county seat and most populous city is Wilkes-Barre. Other populous communities include Hazleton, Kingston, Nanticoke, and Pittston. Luzerne County is included in the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has a total population of 555,426 as of 2017. The county is part of the Northeast region of the commonwealth.
Prepper Assessment
The county features a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with a population density of 366.8 people per square mile and 22% of the area classified as rural. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 48.0°F, with a growing season suitable for USDA zone 7b. Average annual rainfall is 45.8 inches, providing ample water resources for agriculture and gardening, though the cold winters with lows around 16.9°F can limit year-round growing options.
Natural hazards are a significant concern in this area, with FEMA rankings indicating high risks for winter weather (97), lightning (96), and riverine flooding (95). The county's violence percentile is at 30, suggesting a relatively safe environment, but the high disaster percentile of 92 indicates a greater likelihood of experiencing severe weather events. The median home price of $152,400 may appeal to some, but the effective property tax rate of 1.60% could be a consideration for budget-conscious homesteaders.
This county may be suitable for individuals or families seeking a mix of rural and urban living, especially those who can manage the challenges posed by winter weather and flooding. Those with experience in cold-weather gardening and self-sufficient practices may thrive here. However, individuals looking for a completely remote or lower-risk environment might find the population density and natural hazards to be dealbreakers.