Hunt & Live

Fulton County, AR

12,382 residents · 618 sq mi · 20.0/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
57.6°F
49" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.75
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~15.4°F

About Fulton County

Fulton County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 12,075. The county seat is Salem. Fulton County was formed on December 21, 1842, and named for William Fulton, the last governor of the Arkansas Territory. It is an alcohol prohibition or dry county.

44
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1910 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. The terrain is predominantly rural, with a low population density of 20.0 people per square mile, providing ample space for self-sufficient living. The climate is classified as humid, with an annual mean temperature of 57.6°F and approximately 49 inches of rain per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 8b. However, the potential for ice storms and heat waves may impact agricultural activities and daily life.

This area faces several notable risks, particularly from natural hazards such as ice storms (FEMA rank 99) and earthquakes (rank 76). The violence percentile of 88 indicates a higher level of safety, but the disaster percentile of 51 suggests a moderate level of risk. Additionally, the median home price is $100,000, which may be appealing, yet the median household income of $38,917 could create affordability challenges for some residents. Limited broadband access (47% subscription) may also hinder remote work or online education opportunities.

Fulton County may be a good fit for individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with a focus on self-sufficiency and agricultural pursuits. Those comfortable with the risks of natural hazards and a lower median income may thrive here. However, individuals reliant on high-speed internet or those seeking urban amenities might find this area less suitable. The hidden gem is the affordable housing market, while the dealbreaker could be the vulnerability to severe weather events.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,891 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#36 of 75 in AR
Ranked #36 of 75 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: ice storm
FEMA ranks ice storm risk at 99/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
20.0 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 57.6°F annual mean and 49.0" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $100,000.

Score Breakdown

Violence
89
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
51
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
28
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
50.7
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 63
Earthquake 76
Hail 12
Hurricane 33
Heat Wave 67
Riverine Flood 46
Ice Storm 99
Landslide 70
Lightning 48
Strong Wind 52
Tornado 65
Wildfire 56
Winter Weather 49

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
89.5°F
Winter low
25.4°F
Heating degree days
4,063
Cooling degree days
1,401

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$100,000
Median HH income
$38,917
Price to income
2.6×
Property tax rate
0.47%
~$473/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
47.4
Homeownership
84.5%
Poverty rate
15.3%
Unemployment
1.7%

Connectivity

Broadband households
46.9%
No internet access
26.8%

Explore Fulton 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.