Hunt & Live

Campbell County, WY

47,058 residents · 4,802 sq mi · 9.8/sq mi · 27% rural

Climate
45.1°F
15" rain/yr
Water
dry sub-humid
Aridity index 0.77
Hardiness
Zone 7a
Winter low ~2.4°F

About Campbell County

Campbell County is a county in the U.S. state of Wyoming. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 47,026, making it the third-most populous county in Wyoming. Its county seat is Gillette. Campbell County comprises the Gillette, WY Micropolitan Statistical Area.

60
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #895 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area features a mix of rural charm and expansive space, with a population density of 9.8 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 45.1°F, with summer highs reaching 86.2°F and winter lows dropping to 12.4°F. The growing season is moderate, supported by 15 inches of annual rainfall, which can be beneficial for self-sufficient gardening, although the dry sub-humid classification suggests careful water management will be necessary.

The county faces several notable natural hazards, including high risks for hail (ranked 94) and wildfire (ranked 93), which could pose challenges for homestead safety and insurance costs. Winter weather (ranked 89) and cold waves (ranked 88) may also require significant preparation and resilience. With a median home price of $247,800 and a median household income of $93,315, the cost of living appears manageable, but the effective property tax rate of 0.59% should be factored into long-term budgeting.

This county may suit those who appreciate remote living with ample space and a relatively lower density of population. Individuals or families with experience in managing rural challenges and preparing for natural hazards will likely thrive here. However, those seeking a milder climate or more urban amenities might find this area less appealing, as the risks associated with extreme weather and the limited broadband access (65% subscription rate) could be dealbreakers for some.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #952 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#10 of 23 in WY
Ranked #10 of 23 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hail
FEMA ranks hail risk at 94/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
9.8 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as dry sub-humid with a 45.1°F annual mean and 15.0" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 7a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $247,800.

Score Breakdown

Violence
46
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
56
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
18
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
56.1
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 88
Drought 17
Earthquake 72
Hail 94
Heat Wave 12
Riverine Flood 40
Ice Storm 15
Landslide 68
Lightning 63
Strong Wind 32
Tornado 46
Wildfire 93
Winter Weather 89

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
86.2°F
Winter low
12.4°F
Heating degree days
7,729
Cooling degree days
498

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$247,800
Median HH income
$93,315
Price to income
2.7×
Property tax rate
0.59%
~$1,456/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
35.5
Homeownership
78.3%
Poverty rate
9.5%
Unemployment
3%

Connectivity

Broadband households
65%
No internet access
6.1%

Explore Campbell 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.