Tulare County, CA
477,544 residents · 4,824 sq mi · 99.0/sq mi · 20% rural
About Tulare County
Tulare County is a county located in the U.S. state of California. As of the 2020 census, the population was 473,117. The county seat is Visalia. The county is named for Tulare Lake, once the largest freshwater lake west of the Great Lakes. Drained for agricultural development, the site is now in Kings County, which was created in 1893 from the western portion of the formerly larger Tulare County.
Prepper Assessment
This area features a diverse terrain with a mix of rural and urban settings, offering a population density of 99 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 54.9°F and receives about 21.1 inches of rainfall each year. The USDA zone 9a indicates a favorable growing season for various crops, although the dry sub-humid classification suggests irrigation may be necessary for self-sufficient living. The warm summers (average high of 86.9°F) can support productive gardens.
Tulare County faces significant natural hazards, with FEMA rankings indicating high risks for heat waves (99), riverine flooding (98), wildfires (98), earthquakes (98), and landslides (98). The area also has a higher population density percentile at 71, which may contribute to concerns about safety and violence, with a violence percentile of 12 indicating lower safety. While housing is relatively affordable with a median home price of $280,900, the overall economic conditions may vary, affecting long-term sustainability.
This county may be suitable for those who are prepared for the challenges posed by natural hazards and are willing to invest in infrastructure for self-sufficiency. Gardeners and small-scale farmers might thrive here, especially if they can manage water resources effectively. However, individuals seeking a low-risk environment or those averse to natural disasters will likely find this area unsuitable due to its high disaster percentile and associated risks.