Hunt & Live

Washington County, AL

15,122 residents · 1,080 sq mi · 14.0/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
65.9°F
61.8" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.73
Hardiness
Zone 9b
Winter low ~27.5°F

About Washington County

Washington County is a county located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 15,388. The county seat is Chatom. The county was named in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States. In September 2018 The United States Office of Management and Budget (OMB) added Washington County to the Mobile, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area but was removed in July 2023.

47
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1708 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural lifestyle with a low population density of 14 people per square mile, allowing for more space and privacy. The climate is humid with an annual mean temperature of 65.9°F, and the growing season benefits from USDA zone 9b, which supports a variety of crops. Rainfall is abundant at 61.8 inches per year, providing ample water resources for gardening and livestock, though the heat in summer may require careful planning for heat-sensitive crops.

This county faces notable risks, particularly from hurricanes (FEMA rank 87) and tornadoes (rank 66), which can pose significant threats to safety and property. The area also has a relatively high violence percentile at 86/100, indicating a greater potential for crime compared to other regions. While the median home price of $138,100 is affordable, the broadband subscription rate of 44% may limit access to online resources and remote work opportunities, making it less appealing for those who rely on internet connectivity.

This location may suit those who prioritize rural living and have experience managing the challenges of natural disasters. Homesteaders with skills in disaster preparedness and resilience would thrive here, particularly if they can adapt to the climate and potential hazards. However, individuals seeking a more urban lifestyle or those who depend heavily on reliable internet might find this area less accommodating, making the limited broadband access a potential dealbreaker.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,610 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#14 of 67 in AL
Ranked #14 of 67 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hurricane
FEMA ranks hurricane risk at 87/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
14.0 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 65.9°F annual mean and 61.8" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $138,100.

Score Breakdown

Violence
92
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
46
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
22
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
45.6
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Coastal Flood 22
Cold Wave 44
Drought 46
Earthquake 46
Hail 30
Hurricane 87
Heat Wave 52
Riverine Flood 38
Ice Storm 20
Landslide 33
Lightning 54
Strong Wind 63
Tornado 66
Wildfire 66
Winter Weather 19

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
91.5°F
Winter low
37.5°F
Heating degree days
1,989
Cooling degree days
2,336

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$138,100
Median HH income
$51,184
Price to income
2.7×
Property tax rate
0.24%
~$329/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
43.7
Homeownership
88.4%
Poverty rate
15.8%
Unemployment
6.3%

Connectivity

Broadband households
44.4%
No internet access
23.9%

Explore Washington 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.