Gooding County, ID
15,715 residents · 729 sq mi · 21.5/sq mi · 100% rural
About Gooding County
Gooding County is a county located in the U.S. state of Idaho. As of the 2020 census, the population was 15,598. Its county seat is Gooding. The county was created by the Idaho Legislature on January 28, 1913, by a partition of Lincoln County. It is named for Frank R. Gooding, the 7th governor and a United States Senator from Idaho.
Prepper Assessment
Living in this area offers a rural lifestyle with a low population density of 21.5 people per square mile. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 48.9°F, with a growing season typical for USDA zone 7b. Water availability is limited, as the county is classified as arid with only 10.7 inches of annual rainfall. This can present challenges for self-sufficient living, particularly in agriculture, but the warm summers may support certain crops if irrigation is managed effectively.
Natural hazards pose some risks in this region, with wildfire risk ranked at 95, indicating a significant threat during dry seasons. Winter weather also presents challenges, with a FEMA rank of 72, which could affect transportation and daily living. The area has a moderate cost of living, with median home prices at $197,800 and a median household income of $60,938. The violence percentile is relatively favorable at 71, suggesting a safer environment compared to many other areas.
This county may suit those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle and who can manage the challenges of limited water resources and potential natural hazards. Homesteaders with experience in arid farming techniques and a willingness to adapt to seasonal weather changes may thrive here. However, individuals seeking a more urban environment or those who rely heavily on broadband connectivity might find the county less accommodating, as only 55% of households have broadband subscriptions.