Hunt & Live

Jim Hogg County, TX

4,763 residents · 1,136 sq mi · 4.2/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
73.8°F
23" rain/yr
Water
arid
Aridity index 0.45
Hardiness
Zone 10b
Winter low ~37.1°F

About Jim Hogg County

Jim Hogg County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 4,838. Its county seat is Hebbronville. The county is named for James Stephen Hogg, the governor of Texas from 1891 to 1895.

65
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #691 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural experience, with a low population density of 4.2 people per square mile. The climate is warm, with an annual mean temperature of 73.8°F and a growing season that benefits from USDA zone 10b. However, the region is classified as arid, receiving only 23 inches of rain per year, which may limit water availability for self-sufficient living. Despite these challenges, the warm climate can support diverse crops during the growing season.

Natural hazards in the area include a high risk of cold waves (FEMA rank 94) and hurricanes (rank 66), which may pose significant challenges for residents. The wildfire risk is moderate (rank 51), while hail is less of a concern (rank 36). The county's violence percentile is at 51, indicating average safety concerns. Additionally, the cost of living is relatively low, with a median home price of $115,100, but median household income is also modest at $42,292, which may affect financial stability.

This county could suit individuals or families looking for a rural lifestyle with an emphasis on agriculture, provided they are prepared for the challenges posed by the climate and natural hazards. Those comfortable with isolation and a slower pace of life may thrive here. However, it may not be ideal for those who prioritize urban amenities, extensive broadband access (only 51% subscription), or those unable to manage the risks associated with extreme weather and limited water resources.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #697 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#93 of 254 in TX
Ranked #93 of 254 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: cold wave
FEMA ranks cold wave risk at 94/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Extremely rural
Only 4.2 people per square mile — fewer than 5/sqmi places you in the bottom 5% nationally for density.
Climate profile
Classified as arid with a 73.8°F annual mean and 23.0" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 10b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $115,100.

Score Breakdown

Violence
49
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
45
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
10
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
45.5
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 95
Earthquake 5
Hail 36
Hurricane 66
Heat Wave 26
Riverine Flood 23
Ice Storm 25
Landslide 2
Lightning 3
Strong Wind 4
Tornado 14
Wildfire 51
Winter Weather 7

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
98.4°F
Winter low
47.1°F
Heating degree days
812
Cooling degree days
4,048

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$115,100
Median HH income
$42,292
Price to income
2.7×
Property tax rate
1.75%
~$2,015/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
25.2
Homeownership
63.7%
Poverty rate
29%
Unemployment
4.5%

Connectivity

Broadband households
51.2%
No internet access
32.3%

Explore Jim Hogg County Further

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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.