Hunt & Live

San Augustine County, TX

7,857 residents · 531 sq mi · 14.8/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
66.3°F
54.8" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.5
Hardiness
Zone 9b
Winter low ~27.7°F

About San Augustine County

San Augustine County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, its population was 7,918. Its county seat is San Augustine.

70
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #513 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural experience, characterized by a low population density of 14.8 people per square mile. The climate is humid, with an annual mean temperature of 66.3°F and an average rainfall of 54.8 inches, creating a suitable environment for gardening and livestock. The growing season is favorable due to the USDA zone 9b classification, allowing for diverse crop production. However, the summer highs can reach 93.8°F, necessitating attention to water management for self-sufficiency.

Natural hazards present notable risks, with strong winds ranked at 82 and hurricanes at 74, indicating a significant threat to infrastructure and safety. Additionally, heat waves (56) and wildfires (56) pose challenges during extreme weather conditions. The area has a moderate violence percentile of 51, suggesting average safety concerns. While housing is relatively affordable, with a median home price of $82,400, the cost of living can be impacted by limited broadband access, with only 34% of households subscribed.

This county may be a good fit for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with opportunities for agriculture and self-sufficiency. Individuals comfortable with the risks of extreme weather and willing to manage potential safety concerns may thrive here. However, those reliant on modern amenities, such as high-speed internet or urban conveniences, might find the area less suitable, making access to resources a potential dealbreaker for some homesteaders.

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

Key Facts

Top 15% nationally
National prepper rank: #461 of 3,109.
#72 of 254 in TX
Ranked #72 of 254 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: strong wind
FEMA ranks strong wind risk at 82/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
14.8 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 66.3°F annual mean and 54.8" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $82,400.

Score Breakdown

Violence
49
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
17
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
23
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
17.6
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 28
Earthquake 24
Hail 12
Hurricane 74
Heat Wave 57
Riverine Flood 17
Ice Storm 54
Landslide 30
Lightning 46
Strong Wind 82
Tornado 45
Wildfire 56
Winter Weather 25

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
93.8°F
Winter low
37.7°F
Heating degree days
1,982
Cooling degree days
2,491

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$82,400
Median HH income
$45,888
Price to income
1.8×
Property tax rate
0.76%
~$629/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
48.6
Homeownership
72.5%
Poverty rate
27.3%
Unemployment
10.3%

Connectivity

Broadband households
34.1%
No internet access
21.3%

Explore San Augustine 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.