Hunt & Live

Pike County, PA

60,558 residents · 545 sq mi · 111.1/sq mi · 87% rural

Climate
47.5°F
47.6" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 2.28
Hardiness
Zone 7b
Winter low ~5.8°F

About Pike County

Pike County is a county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 58,535. Its county seat is Milford. The county is part of the Northeast Pennsylvania region of the state. Pike County is part of the New York Combined Statistical Area.

50
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1499 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in Pike County offers a mix of rural charm and access to natural resources, with 87% of the area classified as rural. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 47.5°F and receives 47.6 inches of rainfall per year, supporting a growing season suitable for many crops in USDA zone 7b. Water availability is generally good due to the humid classification, making it conducive for self-sufficient living, though the terrain may present challenges for some homesteaders.

The county faces several notable natural hazards, including riverine flooding (FEMA rank 79) and hurricanes (rank 77), which could impact long-term sustainability for homesteaders. The population density of 111.1 people per square mile is relatively high for a rural area, which may lead to concerns about community resources and potential conflicts. The median home price of $225,100 could be a barrier for some, coupled with a disaster percentile of 66, indicating moderate risk factors.

Pike County may appeal to those seeking a rural lifestyle with decent access to amenities, particularly individuals or families with a stable income who can manage the housing costs. It is well-suited for those who prioritize community and are prepared for the risks associated with natural hazards. However, those looking for complete isolation or lower property costs may find this area less attractive due to its population density and housing prices.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,910 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#27 of 67 in PA
Ranked #27 of 67 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: riverine flood
FEMA ranks riverine flood risk at 79/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 111/sqmi
Densely populated at 111 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 47.5°F annual mean and 47.6" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 7b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $225,100.

Score Breakdown

Violence
10
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
66
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
74
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
65.9
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Avalanche 43
Cold Wave 77
Drought 15
Earthquake 56
Hail 11
Hurricane 77
Heat Wave 40
Riverine Flood 79
Ice Storm 38
Landslide 68
Lightning 56
Strong Wind 63
Tornado 28
Wildfire 72
Winter Weather 64

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
80.8°F
Winter low
15.8°F
Heating degree days
6,694
Cooling degree days
368

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$225,100
Median HH income
$76,416
Price to income
2.9×
Property tax rate
1.53%
~$3,452/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
48.9
Homeownership
84.4%
Poverty rate
10%
Unemployment
8.5%

Connectivity

Broadband households
79.2%
No internet access
9.2%

Explore Pike 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.