Clarke County, IA
9,692 residents · 431 sq mi · 22.5/sq mi · 46% rural
About Clarke County
Clarke County is a county located in the U.S. state of Iowa. As of the 2020 census, the population was 9,748. The county seat is Osceola. The county was formed in January 1846, one of twelve counties established by legislative action in a comprehensive act. It was named for James Clarke, a Governor of the Iowa Territory.
Prepper Assessment
Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and a moderately temperate climate, with an annual mean temperature of 50.1°F. The growing season is supported by USDA zone 7a, allowing for a variety of crops. Water resources are adequate with an average of 37.2 inches of rainfall per year. However, the terrain may not be ideal for all, as drought conditions rank high on FEMA's hazards list at 93, which could impact self-sufficiency efforts.
Natural hazards present notable challenges. Drought is the primary concern, followed by landslides (ranked 68) and cold waves (ranked 60). The area has a relatively low disaster risk percentile of 18, indicating fewer overall threats. With a population density of 22.5 people per square mile and a violence percentile of 97, safety is generally high, but cost of living may be a consideration with median home prices at $127,200 and property taxes at 1.75%.
This county may appeal to those seeking a quieter, rural lifestyle with reasonable living costs and a supportive climate for agriculture. However, individuals heavily reliant on consistent water sources or those sensitive to drought conditions might find it challenging. The hidden gem here is the low violence percentile, making it a safer choice for families, while the risk of drought could be a dealbreaker for some preppers focused on complete self-sufficiency.