Hunt & Live

Broomfield County, CO

76,121 residents · 33 sq mi · 2,308.9/sq mi · 0% rural

Climate
51.1°F
15.2" rain/yr
Water
dry sub-humid
Aridity index 0.67
Hardiness
Zone 7b
Winter low ~8.8°F

About Broomfield County

Broomfield is a consolidated city and county located in the U.S. state of Colorado. It has a consolidated government which operates under Article XX, Sections 10–13 of the Constitution of the State of Colorado. Broomfield's population was 74,112 at the 2020 United States census, making it the 15th most populous municipality and the 12th most populous county in Colorado. Broomfield is a part of the ten-county Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area and the 18-county Front Range Urban Corridor.

52
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1408 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a suburban environment with a high population density of 2,308.9 people per square mile, limiting opportunities for traditional self-sufficient living. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 51.1°F and receives about 15.2 inches of rain per year, supporting a growing season suitable for USDA zone 7b. However, the dry sub-humid classification indicates potential challenges in water availability for extensive gardening or farming.

This county faces several notable natural hazards, including a high risk for hail (FEMA rank 91) and lightning (rank 86), which could impact property and agricultural activities. The winter weather hazard (rank 75) may also pose challenges during colder months. Additionally, the median home price of $581,600 is relatively high, which could be a barrier for those seeking affordable homesteading options. The area's urban density may contribute to a sense of congestion, impacting those looking for solitude.

This location may suit individuals or families who prefer suburban living with access to urban amenities and a strong economy, given the median household income of $117,541. However, those seeking a remote, rural lifestyle with ample space for self-sufficient practices may find this area unsuitable. The high population density and associated costs could be significant dealbreakers for traditional homesteaders or preppers looking for a more isolated setting.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,480 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#43 of 64 in CO
Ranked #43 of 64 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hail
FEMA ranks hail risk at 91/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 2,309/sqmi
Densely populated at 2,309 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as dry sub-humid with a 51.1°F annual mean and 15.2" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 7b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $581,600.

Score Breakdown

Violence
13
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
35
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
98
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
34.7
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 50
Drought 15
Earthquake 48
Hail 91
Heat Wave 31
Riverine Flood 33
Ice Storm 41
Landslide 6
Lightning 86
Strong Wind 56
Tornado 62
Volcano 49
Wildfire 72
Winter Weather 75

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
89°F
Winter low
18.8°F
Heating degree days
5,728
Cooling degree days
696

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$581,600
Median HH income
$117,541
Price to income
4.9×
Property tax rate
0.62%
~$3,602/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
38.6
Homeownership
63.9%
Poverty rate
5%
Unemployment
3.2%

Connectivity

Broadband households
87.5%
No internet access
2.8%

Explore Broomfield 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.