Hunt & Live

Lincoln County, AR

12,916 residents · 560 sq mi · 23.1/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
63°F
53.6" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.62
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~23.7°F

About Lincoln County

Lincoln County is located between the Arkansas Timberlands and Arkansas Delta in the U.S. state of Arkansas. It is situated just outside the outer edge of the Central Arkansas metropolitan region. The county is named for President Abraham Lincoln. Created as Arkansas's 65th county on March 28, 1871, Lincoln County has three incorporated cities, including Star City, the county seat and most populous city. The county contains 46 unincorporated communities and ghost towns, Cane Creek State Park at the confluence of Cane Creek and Bayou Bartholomew, and nine listings on the National Register of Historic Places to preserve the history and culture of the county.

51
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1472 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a rural lifestyle with a population density of 23.1 people per square mile, providing ample space for self-sufficient living. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 63.0°F and significant rainfall of 53.6 inches per year, supporting a long growing season suitable for various crops. The USDA zone 9a designation indicates that gardeners can cultivate a range of plants, though the humid conditions may require attention to water management.

The county faces several natural hazards, with drought ranked at 91 and earthquakes at 80, posing significant risks to agriculture and infrastructure. Ice storms (68) and heat waves (66) are also concerns, potentially affecting living conditions. The violence percentile at 65 suggests a higher than average risk of crime, which may deter some individuals from relocating here. Additionally, with only 29% of households having broadband access, connectivity could be an issue for those reliant on remote work or online education.

This area may appeal to those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with a lower cost of living, as indicated by the median home price of $112,500 and property tax rate of 0.55%. Homesteaders who can adapt to the risks of drought and extreme weather may thrive here, particularly those with experience in sustainable farming. However, individuals seeking urban amenities, reliable internet, or a lower crime environment may find this location less suitable for their needs.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,051 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#10 of 75 in AR
Ranked #10 of 75 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: drought
FEMA ranks drought risk at 91/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
23.1 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 63.0°F annual mean and 53.6" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $112,500.

Score Breakdown

Violence
87
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
30
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
32
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
29.8
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 18
Drought 91
Earthquake 80
Hail 46
Hurricane 58
Heat Wave 66
Riverine Flood 24
Ice Storm 68
Landslide 17
Lightning 24
Strong Wind 44
Tornado 54
Wildfire 17
Winter Weather 23

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
91.4°F
Winter low
33.7°F
Heating degree days
2,795
Cooling degree days
2,100

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$112,500
Median HH income
$50,526
Price to income
2.2×
Property tax rate
0.55%
~$623/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
40.6
Homeownership
78.6%
Poverty rate
17.7%
Unemployment
4%

Connectivity

Broadband households
29.1%
No internet access
31.9%

Explore Lincoln 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.