Hunt & Live

Garland County, AR

100,089 residents · 678 sq mi · 147.7/sq mi · 34% rural

Climate
61.2°F
55.2" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.77
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~20.7°F

About Garland County

Garland County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 100,180. The county seat is Hot Springs.

15
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2979 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a mix of rural and suburban environments, with a population density of 147.7 people per square mile. The climate is humid with an annual mean temperature of 61.2°F and substantial rainfall of 55.2 inches per year, supporting diverse agricultural activities. The growing season is favorable due to USDA zone 9a, allowing for a variety of crops. However, the region's humidity may pose challenges for certain types of farming and gardening.

This area faces significant natural hazards, with ice storms ranked 100 and strong winds at 97 on the FEMA scale, indicating a high risk for severe weather events. The tornado risk is also notable at 96, which may deter some individuals from considering this location for long-term living. Additionally, the population density and violence percentile of 94 suggest potential safety concerns, which could impact the area's suitability for families seeking a peaceful homesteading environment.

Garland County may appeal to those who are prepared for the challenges of severe weather and are looking for a community with a mix of rural and suburban life. Individuals who thrive here are likely adaptable and resourceful, comfortable with the risks associated with natural disasters. Conversely, those seeking a low-risk environment with a more stable climate might find this area unsuitable, particularly if they prioritize safety and minimal weather-related disruptions.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #3,057 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#74 of 75 in AR
Ranked #74 of 75 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: ice storm
FEMA ranks ice storm risk at 100/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 148/sqmi
Densely populated at 148 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 61.2°F annual mean and 55.2" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $166,600.

Score Breakdown

Violence
88
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
89
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
78
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
89.3
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 46
Earthquake 89
Hail 95
Hurricane 62
Heat Wave 94
Riverine Flood 90
Ice Storm 100
Landslide 92
Lightning 90
Strong Wind 97
Tornado 96
Wildfire 73
Winter Weather 91

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
91.5°F
Winter low
30.7°F
Heating degree days
3,166
Cooling degree days
1,825

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$166,600
Median HH income
$54,229
Price to income
3.1×
Property tax rate
0.53%
~$876/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
45.4
Homeownership
68.3%
Poverty rate
16.9%
Unemployment
5.7%

Connectivity

Broadband households
61.1%
No internet access
15.4%

Explore Garland 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.