Hunt & Live

Pulaski County, IN

12,485 residents · 434 sq mi · 28.8/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
50.4°F
40.8" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.76
Hardiness
Zone 7b
Winter low ~6.9°F

About Pulaski County

Pulaski County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. According to the 2020 U.S. census, the population was 12,514. The county seat is Winamac.

69
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #538 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural setting with a low population density of 28.8 people per square mile, which can provide a sense of isolation and tranquility. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 50.4°F, with a growing season suitable for USDA zone 7b. Residents can expect approximately 40.8 inches of rainfall annually, supporting diverse agricultural activities. However, the relatively cold winters, with lows around 16.9°F, may limit year-round outdoor endeavors.

This county faces several natural hazards as indicated by FEMA, with a notable risk for cold waves (rank 57) and ice storms (rank 40). The area has a relatively high violence percentile at 89/100, suggesting a safer environment overall. The cost of living is moderate, with a median home price of $131,500 and an effective property tax rate of 0.43%, making housing more affordable compared to many urban areas. However, the potential for severe weather events may pose challenges for self-sufficient living.

Pulaski County may be suitable for individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with the ability to engage in farming or gardening, particularly those comfortable with colder climates. Those who thrive in this environment will likely appreciate the affordability and rural character. However, individuals who prefer a milder climate year-round or are dependent on high-speed internet access may find the county less appealing, as only 61% of households have broadband subscriptions.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,279 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#37 of 92 in IN
Ranked #37 of 92 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: cold wave
FEMA ranks cold wave risk at 57/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
28.8 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 50.4°F annual mean and 40.8" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 7b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $131,500.

Score Breakdown

Violence
44
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
11
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
37
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
11.2
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 57
Drought 19
Earthquake 43
Hail 45
Hurricane 31
Heat Wave 30
Riverine Flood 18
Ice Storm 40
Landslide 35
Lightning 16
Strong Wind 34
Tornado 35
Wildfire 2
Winter Weather 19

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
84°F
Winter low
16.9°F
Heating degree days
6,104
Cooling degree days
802

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$131,500
Median HH income
$56,823
Price to income
2.3×
Property tax rate
0.43%
~$560/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
41.9
Homeownership
76.7%
Poverty rate
12.8%
Unemployment
3.8%

Connectivity

Broadband households
61.4%
No internet access
12.9%

Explore Pulaski 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.