Hunt & Live

Pulaski County, AR

399,145 residents · 758 sq mi · 526.3/sq mi · 11% rural

Climate
62°F
53.1" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.65
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~21.3°F

About Pulaski County

Pulaski County is a county in the U.S. state of Arkansas. With a population of 399,125 as of the 2020 United States census, it is the most populous county in Arkansas. The county is included in the Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway metropolitan area. Its county seat is Little Rock, which is also Arkansas's capital and largest city.

5
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #3079 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a humid subtropical climate with an annual mean temperature of 62.0°F and 53.1 inches of rainfall per year, which supports a growing season suitable for various crops. However, with a population density of 526.3 people per square mile and only 11% rural, self-sufficient living may be challenging due to limited available land and potential competition for resources. The terrain is generally flat, making agricultural pursuits feasible, though water sources may be impacted by seasonal weather patterns.

Risks in the area are considerable, with a FEMA disaster percentile of 97, indicating a high likelihood of natural hazards such as ice storms, tornadoes, and flooding. The violence percentile of 93 suggests safety concerns, as higher numbers indicate greater risk. Additionally, while the median home price of $187,600 may seem affordable, the high population density and urban proximity could lead to increased costs and competition for land, affecting long-term sustainability for homesteaders.

This county may be suitable for individuals or families who prioritize urban access and can navigate the associated risks of living in a metropolitan area. Those who thrive here may appreciate the economic opportunities and community resources, but it may not be ideal for traditional homesteaders seeking remote, self-sufficient living. The combination of high natural hazard risks and urban density could be dealbreakers for those looking for a peaceful, rural homesteading experience.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #3,089 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#75 of 75 in AR
Ranked #75 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: 526/sqmi
Densely populated at 526 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 62.0°F annual mean and 53.1" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $187,600.

Score Breakdown

Violence
97
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
97
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
92
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
96.8
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 85
Drought 24
Earthquake 98
Hail 96
Hurricane 72
Heat Wave 96
Riverine Flood 97
Ice Storm 100
Landslide 88
Lightning 97
Strong Wind 97
Tornado 99
Wildfire 72
Winter Weather 98

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
92.2°F
Winter low
31.3°F
Heating degree days
3,062
Cooling degree days
1,997

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$187,600
Median HH income
$58,326
Price to income
3.2×
Property tax rate
0.81%
~$1,515/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
37.7
Homeownership
58.1%
Poverty rate
16.6%
Unemployment
5.2%

Connectivity

Broadband households
67.8%
No internet access
11.9%

Explore Pulaski 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.