Motley County, TX
1,032 residents · 990 sq mi · 1.0/sq mi · 100% rural
About Motley County
Motley County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, its population was 1,063, making it the 10th-least populous county in Texas. Its county seat is Matador. The county was created in 1876 and organized in 1891. It is named for Junius William Mottley, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Mottley's name is spelled incorrectly because the bill establishing the county misspelled his name. Motley County was one of 30 prohibition, or entirely dry, counties in Texas, but is now a wet county.
Prepper Assessment
Living in this area offers a distinctly rural experience, with a very low population density of 1.0 person per square mile. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 62.2°F and 22.8 inches of rainfall per year, which supports a growing season suitable for crops in USDA zone 8b. However, the dry sub-humid water classification indicates limited water availability, which could pose challenges for self-sufficient living, especially during drought conditions.
The county faces notable natural hazards, with drought and wildfire risks ranking high at FEMA levels 82 and 80, respectively. While the area has a relatively average violence percentile of 51, the low density percentile (2) suggests a quieter lifestyle. The cost of living is manageable, with median home prices around $72,100, but potential residents should weigh these risks against their capacity to manage water resources and prepare for wildfires.
This county may appeal to individuals seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with low housing costs and minimal population density. Those who thrive here are likely self-sufficient individuals with skills in drought management and wildfire preparedness. Conversely, this area may not suit families or individuals who rely heavily on urban amenities or who prefer a more temperate climate with reliable water resources, as the arid conditions could be a dealbreaker for some homesteaders.