Hunt & Live

Price County, WI

14,179 residents · 1,254 sq mi · 11.3/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
40.7°F
33.1" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.83
Hardiness
Zone 6a
Winter low ~-7.3°F

About Price County

Price County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census, the population was 14,054. Its county seat is Phillips.

76
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #305 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and natural beauty, with a population density of just 11.3 people per square mile. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 40.7°F, with summer highs reaching 77.7°F and winter lows dropping to 2.7°F, making for a short growing season in USDA zone 6a. The region receives about 33.1 inches of rain yearly, supporting various crops, although the cold winters can limit year-round self-sufficiency.

This county faces several natural hazards, including a high risk of cold waves (FEMA rank 83) and lightning (rank 52). While the area has a low violence percentile of 19/100, indicating relative safety, the economic landscape may pose challenges with a median home price of $136,400 and a property tax rate of 1.47%. Additionally, with only 61% of households having broadband, access to information and remote work opportunities may be limited.

Price County is well-suited for individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with a focus on self-sufficiency. Those comfortable with cold winters and willing to adapt to limited broadband access may thrive here. However, potential homesteaders should be cautious of the cold wave risks and economic factors, as they may deter those looking for a more connected or warmer climate for their homesteading endeavors.

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

Key Facts

Top 7% nationally
National prepper rank: #225 of 3,109.
#5 in WI
Top 5 counties in Wisconsin out of 72.
Dominant hazard: cold wave
FEMA ranks cold wave risk at 83/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
11.3 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 40.7°F annual mean and 33.1" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 6a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $136,400.

Score Breakdown

Violence
19
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
32
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
19
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
32.3
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 83
Drought 24
Earthquake 2
Hail 14
Heat Wave 21
Riverine Flood 39
Ice Storm 27
Landslide 10
Lightning 53
Strong Wind 25
Tornado 34
Wildfire 14
Winter Weather 12

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
77.7°F
Winter low
2.7°F
Heating degree days
9,087
Cooling degree days
271

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$136,400
Median HH income
$55,822
Price to income
2.4×
Property tax rate
1.47%
~$2,011/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
52.1
Homeownership
79.5%
Poverty rate
13.6%
Unemployment
2.7%

Connectivity

Broadband households
61.4%
No internet access
15.3%

Explore Price 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.