Hunt & Live

Lipscomb County, TX

2,854 residents · 932 sq mi · 3.1/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
57.9°F
22.4" rain/yr
Water
dry sub-humid
Aridity index 0.78
Hardiness
Zone 8a
Winter low ~12.7°F

About Lipscomb County

Lipscomb County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, its population was 3,059. Its county seat is Lipscomb. The county was created in 1876 and organized in 1887. It is named for Judge Abner Smith Lipscomb, a secretary of state of the Republic of Texas.

72
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #438 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a rural lifestyle with a low population density of 3.1 people per square mile, providing ample space for self-sufficient living. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 57.9°F and 22.4 inches of rainfall, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 8a. However, the dry sub-humid classification indicates limited water resources, which may challenge gardening and livestock management during drought periods, ranked high in FEMA hazards at 98.

The county faces several natural hazards, with drought and wildfire being the most significant risks, ranked at 98 and 85 respectively. While the violence percentile is moderate at 51, the rural setting may contribute to a sense of isolation. The median home price of $119,800 is relatively affordable, but the effective property tax rate of 1.34% could impact long-term financial planning. Additionally, only 58% of households have broadband access, which may limit connectivity for remote work or online resources.

This area may be well-suited for individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with a strong focus on self-sufficiency and a lower cost of living. Those comfortable with managing drought conditions and who value space over urban amenities will thrive here. However, individuals reliant on high-speed internet or those seeking a vibrant community may find this location lacking. The potential for drought may be a dealbreaker for some homesteaders who prioritize consistent water availability.

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

Key Facts

Top 12% nationally
National prepper rank: #384 of 3,109.
#59 of 254 in TX
Ranked #59 of 254 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: drought
FEMA ranks drought risk at 98/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Extremely rural
Only 3.1 people per square mile — fewer than 5/sqmi places you in the bottom 5% nationally for density.
Climate profile
Classified as dry sub-humid with a 57.9°F annual mean and 22.4" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $119,800.

Score Breakdown

Violence
49
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
28
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
7
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
27.9
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 35
Drought 99
Earthquake 19
Hail 28
Hurricane 17
Heat Wave 9
Riverine Flood 4
Ice Storm 56
Landslide 1
Lightning 10
Strong Wind 32
Tornado 30
Wildfire 85
Winter Weather 46

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
93.5°F
Winter low
22.7°F
Heating degree days
4,183
Cooling degree days
1,627

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$119,800
Median HH income
$71,625
Price to income
1.7×
Property tax rate
1.34%
~$1,607/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
35.9
Homeownership
78%
Poverty rate
13.8%
Unemployment
5.9%

Connectivity

Broadband households
58.4%
No internet access
10.7%

Explore Lipscomb 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.