Hunt & Live

Boundary County, ID

13,345 residents · 1,269 sq mi · 10.5/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
41.5°F
38.9" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 2.34
Hardiness
Zone 7b
Winter low ~9.3°F

About Boundary County

Boundary County is the northernmost county of the U.S. state of Idaho. As of the 2020 census, the population was 12,056. The county seat and largest city is Bonners Ferry.

83
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #137 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural lifestyle with a low population density of 10.5 people per square mile, fostering a sense of remoteness. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 41.5°F and receives 38.9 inches of rainfall per year, making it suitable for a variety of crops in USDA zone 7b. However, the growing season may be limited compared to warmer regions, and the terrain may present challenges for certain agricultural practices, particularly in areas prone to landslides or avalanches.

The county faces several notable natural hazards, including a high risk of landslides (FEMA rank 98) and avalanches (rank 83), which could impact safety and property. Additionally, wildfire risk is significant, with a FEMA rank of 81, and winter weather can also pose challenges (rank 68). The median home price of $318,600 may be a barrier for some aspiring homesteaders, and the relatively low broadband subscription rate of 54% indicates potential connectivity issues for those relying on internet access.

This area may appeal to self-sufficient individuals or families who value rural living and can adapt to the risks presented by natural hazards. Those with experience in agriculture and a readiness to navigate a challenging climate will likely thrive here. However, individuals seeking a more urbanized lifestyle or who are unprepared for the risks associated with landslides and wildfires may find this county less suitable for their needs.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #839 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#17 of 44 in ID
Ranked #17 of 44 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: landslide
FEMA ranks landslide risk at 98/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
10.5 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 41.5°F annual mean and 38.9" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 7b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $318,600.

Score Breakdown

Violence
8
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
26
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
18
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
26.1
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Avalanche 83
Cold Wave 48
Drought 15
Earthquake 25
Hail 4
Heat Wave 31
Riverine Flood 46
Ice Storm 1
Landslide 98
Lightning 18
Strong Wind 5
Tornado 4
Wildfire 81
Winter Weather 68

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
74.5°F
Winter low
19.3°F
Heating degree days
8,643
Cooling degree days
85

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$318,600
Median HH income
$58,810
Price to income
5.4×
Property tax rate
0.44%
~$1,411/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
43.6
Homeownership
77.5%
Poverty rate
18.5%
Unemployment
3.8%

Connectivity

Broadband households
54.4%
No internet access
11%

Explore Boundary County Further

Similar Counties

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.