Dubois County, IN
43,632 residents · 427 sq mi · 102.1/sq mi · 48% rural
About Dubois County
Dubois County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of 2020, the population was 43,637. The county seat is Jasper. Dubois County is now the sole county of the Jasper Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Prepper Assessment
Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and moderate climate, with an annual mean temperature of 55.0°F and 49.7 inches of rain per year. The growing season benefits from USDA zone 8a, allowing for a variety of crops to thrive. Terrain is primarily flat, which is advantageous for farming and homesteading. However, the population density of 102.1 people per square mile may limit the sense of remoteness some seek in a homesteading location.
Natural hazards are a significant consideration in this county, with earthquake risk ranked at 88 and strong winds at 87. Winter weather also poses challenges, with a FEMA rank of 74 for related incidents. While the violence percentile is low at 12, indicating a safer environment, the overall disaster percentile of 59 suggests moderate risks. Additionally, median home prices are relatively affordable at $187,000, but potential homesteaders should weigh these risks against the cost of living.
This area may suit those who appreciate a balance of rural living and accessibility, particularly families or individuals looking for affordable housing and a supportive community. However, those seeking complete isolation or extreme self-sufficiency might find the population density and natural hazards to be drawbacks. A dealbreaker could be the earthquake risk, while the hidden gem may be the affordability of property and the opportunities for diverse agricultural endeavors.