Presidio County, TX
5,939 residents · 3,855 sq mi · 1.5/sq mi · 100% rural
About Presidio County
Presidio County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, its population was 6,131. Its county seat is Marfa. The county was created in 1850 and later organized in 1875. Presidio County is in the Trans-Pecos region of West Texas and is named for the border settlement of Presidio del Norte. It is on the Rio Grande, which forms the Mexican border.
Prepper Assessment
Living in this area offers a vast, rural environment with a very low population density of 1.5 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 65.3°F and an arid classification, receiving only 12.9 inches of rain per year. The growing season is suitable for USDA zone 9a, which can support a variety of crops, though water conservation will be essential due to the region's low precipitation and high summer temperatures peaking at 95.2°F.
Risks in the county include significant drought and wildfire hazards, ranked at FEMA levels 88 and 80 respectively. The area also faces a moderate risk of heat waves and lightning. While the violence percentile is at 51, indicating average safety levels, the economic landscape may pose challenges with a median household income of $29,012 and a median home price of $121,000, which may limit affordability for some residents.
This county may be well-suited for individuals or families seeking a remote, quiet lifestyle with a strong emphasis on self-sufficiency, particularly those who are prepared for the challenges of arid living. However, it may not be ideal for those reliant on urban amenities or who are unprepared for the risks of drought and wildfire. The hidden gem here is the expansive land available for homesteading, while the dealbreaker may be the limited water resources and economic constraints.