Faulkner County, AR
127,665 residents · 647 sq mi · 197.2/sq mi · 46% rural
About Faulkner County
Faulkner County is a county located in the Central Arkansas region of the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 123,498, making it the fifth most populous of Arkansas's 75 counties. The county seat and largest city is Conway. Faulkner County was created on April 12, 1873, one of nine counties formed during Reconstruction, and is named for Sandford C. Faulkner, better known as Sandy Faulkner, a popular figure in the state at the time.
Prepper Assessment
Faulkner County features a humid subtropical climate with an annual mean temperature of 61.2°F and 52.2 inches of rainfall per year, supporting a growing season suitable for a variety of crops. The terrain is primarily rural, with a population density of 197.2 people per square mile, which may provide some level of remoteness. However, the region's USDA zone 9a indicates that heat tolerance in crops will be essential, especially during the summer highs of 92°F.
This area faces significant natural hazards, with ice storms (FEMA rank 98) and tornadoes (rank 97) being the most notable risks. Additionally, the county has a disaster percentile of 86, indicating a higher likelihood of facing severe weather events. The median home price of $195,800 is relatively affordable, but potential homesteaders should consider the implications of living in a region with higher risks of natural disasters and a moderate level of violence, as indicated by a violence percentile of 48.
Faulkner County may be suitable for those who can manage the risks associated with natural disasters and who appreciate a community with a mix of rural and urban living. Individuals seeking a more populated area with access to broadband (75% subscription rate) may find this county appealing. However, those who are highly risk-averse or looking for extreme remoteness might find the county's hazards and density to be dealbreakers.