Story County, IA
99,673 residents · 573 sq mi · 174.1/sq mi · 26% rural
About Story County
Story County is a county in the U.S. state of Iowa. As of the 2020 census, the population was 98,537, making it the ninth-most populous county in Iowa. The county seat is Nevada and the largest city is Ames. The geographical center of Iowa lies in Story County, 5 miles (8.0 km) northeast of Ames. Story County comprises the Ames, IA Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is included in the Des Moines-Ames-West Des Moines, IA Combined Statistical Area. The county is home to Iowa State University in Ames.
Prepper Assessment
This area features a mix of rural and urban environments, with a population density of 174.1 people per square mile. The climate is classified as humid, with an annual mean temperature of 48.5°F and 36.3 inches of rainfall per year. The USDA hardiness zone is 7a, allowing for a diverse growing season. However, the terrain may limit extensive self-sufficient living, as the county is not particularly remote and has significant urban development in cities like Ames.
Natural hazards pose some risks in this region, with the leading FEMA hazards being drought (ranked 96), tornadoes (91), and winter weather (90). The county's violence percentile is low at 3/100, indicating a safer environment. However, the higher population density at 81/100 may impact the sense of isolation often sought by homesteaders. Additionally, the median home price of $229,100 could be a barrier for those looking to establish a homestead on a budget.
This county could be a good fit for individuals or families who appreciate a blend of rural and urban resources, particularly those involved in education or research due to the proximity to Iowa State University. However, those seeking a remote, self-sufficient lifestyle may find the population density and urban developments limiting. The hidden gem here is the relatively low violence rate, while the dealbreaker may be the higher cost of housing compared to more rural areas.