Hunt & Live

Sublette County, WY

8,763 residents · 4,887 sq mi · 1.8/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
36.1°F
18" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.22
Hardiness
Zone 6a
Winter low ~-6.6°F

About Sublette County

Sublette County is a county in the U.S. state of Wyoming. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 8,728. The county seat is Pinedale. It is a sparsely populated rural county in western Wyoming, along the Green River.

76
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #309 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a rugged, rural lifestyle characterized by expansive open spaces, with a population density of just 1.8 people per square mile. The climate features a mean annual temperature of 36.1°F and a growing season that aligns with USDA zone 6a, allowing for a variety of crops. Water is relatively abundant, with an average annual rainfall of 18 inches, supporting self-sufficient living. However, the cold winters, with lows around 3.4°F, may limit year-round agricultural activities.

This region faces significant natural hazards, including a high risk of landslides (FEMA rank 94) and avalanches (90), which could impact safety and accessibility. Wildfire risk is also notable, ranked at 88, while lightning and earthquake risks are present as well. The cost of living is relatively high, with a median home price of $339,400, which may be a barrier for some. The violence percentile is low at 84, indicating a safer environment, but the rural nature may lead to isolation.

Sublette County may be an excellent fit for those seeking a remote, rural lifestyle with a focus on outdoor activities and self-sufficiency. Homesteaders who are experienced in dealing with harsh climates and natural hazards will likely thrive here. However, those unaccustomed to isolation or seeking urban amenities may find this area challenging. The combination of natural beauty and a sparse population can be a hidden gem for the right individual or family looking for a quieter life.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #733 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#4 in WY
Top 5 counties in Wyoming out of 23.
Dominant hazard: landslide
FEMA ranks landslide risk at 94/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Extremely rural
Only 1.8 people per square mile — fewer than 5/sqmi places you in the bottom 5% nationally for density.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 36.1°F annual mean and 18.0" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 6a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $339,400.

Score Breakdown

Violence
46
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
21
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
4
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
21.6
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Avalanche 91
Cold Wave 20
Drought 20
Earthquake 76
Hail 6
Riverine Flood 21
Ice Storm 8
Landslide 94
Lightning 79
Strong Wind 4
Tornado 6
Volcano 20
Wildfire 88
Winter Weather 3

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
76.3°F
Winter low
3.4°F
Heating degree days
10,543
Cooling degree days
16

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$339,400
Median HH income
$85,960
Price to income
3.9×
Property tax rate
0.41%
~$1,390/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
41.7
Homeownership
82.9%
Poverty rate
8.1%
Unemployment
3.9%

Connectivity

Broadband households
56.3%
No internet access
5.6%

Explore Sublette 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.