Hunt & Live

Menominee County, WI

4,197 residents · 358 sq mi · 11.7/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
43°F
32.5" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.7
Hardiness
Zone 6b
Winter low ~-3.8°F

About Menominee County

Menominee County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census, the population was 4,255, making it the least populous county in Wisconsin. Its county seat is in the community of Keshena.

84
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #110 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a blend of rural tranquility and natural resources, with a population density of just 11.7 people per square mile. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 43.0°F, with summer highs reaching 79.8°F and winter lows dropping to 6.2°F. This USDA zone 6b region supports a growing season suitable for a variety of crops, and the humid climate, with 32.5 inches of rainfall annually, provides adequate water for self-sufficient living, although seasonal cold may limit year-round growing.

Key risks include a relatively high risk of lightning, ranked 76 by FEMA, and cold waves, which are ranked 72. While the area boasts a low violence percentile of 19, indicating a safer environment, the rural setting may pose challenges in terms of access to services and amenities. The median home price of $104,300 is reasonable, but the effective property tax rate of 3.77% can add financial pressure. Broadband access at 61% may limit options for those needing reliable internet for work or communication.

This county is well-suited for individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with opportunities for self-sufficiency. Those with skills in farming or homesteading will likely thrive here, as will individuals who appreciate a slower pace of life. However, those reliant on urban conveniences or requiring extensive connectivity may find the area challenging. The potential for cold weather and lightning events could be dealbreakers for some, while the low population density can be a hidden gem for others seeking solitude.

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

Key Facts

Top 55 nationally
Ranks #55 of 3,109 CONUS counties for prepper suitability — top 2%.
#2 in WI
Top 5 counties in Wisconsin out of 72.
Dominant hazard: lightning
FEMA ranks lightning risk at 76/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
11.7 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 43.0°F annual mean and 32.5" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 6b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $104,300.

Score Breakdown

Violence
19
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
9
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
20
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
9.1
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 72
Earthquake 1
Hail 22
Heat Wave 15
Riverine Flood 7
Ice Storm 16
Landslide 5
Lightning 76
Strong Wind 19
Tornado 22
Wildfire 3
Winter Weather 8

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
79.8°F
Winter low
6.2°F
Heating degree days
8,321
Cooling degree days
347

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$104,300
Median HH income
$62,194
Price to income
1.7×
Property tax rate
3.77%
~$3,930/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
32.1
Homeownership
70.2%
Poverty rate
20%
Unemployment
10.7%

Connectivity

Broadband households
60.7%
No internet access
14%

Explore Menominee County Further

Similar Counties

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.