Hunt & Live

Union County, IN

6,952 residents · 161 sq mi · 43.1/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
52.3°F
44.1" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.83
Hardiness
Zone 8a
Winter low ~10.2°F

About Union County

Union County is a county in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 7,087. The county seat is Liberty. Since 2018, Union County has been included in the Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is located on the Indiana-Ohio border.

68
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #595 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

This area features a predominantly rural landscape with a low population density of 43.1 people per square mile, making it suitable for those seeking space and privacy. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 52.3°F and 44.1 inches of rainfall per year, offering a growing season suitable for diverse crops in USDA zone 8a. However, the winter lows can drop to 20.2°F, which may limit certain agricultural practices during the colder months.

Natural hazards include strong winds, ranked 74 on the FEMA scale, and a landslide risk of 47, which could pose challenges for construction and safety. With a violence percentile of 37, this area is relatively safe, but the population density is average, which might not appeal to those seeking extreme remoteness. The median home price is $149,500, and the effective property tax rate is low at 0.73%, making housing relatively affordable.

Union County could be a good fit for individuals or families looking for a quiet, rural lifestyle with decent access to resources. Those with experience in farming or self-sufficient living will likely thrive here, especially given the growing season and affordable housing. However, individuals seeking a more urban environment or those concerned about natural hazards may find this area less appealing, particularly if they are not prepared for the occasional strong winds or other weather-related risks.

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

Key Facts

Top 14% nationally
National prepper rank: #450 of 3,109.
#6 of 92 in IN
Ranked #6 of 92 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: strong wind
FEMA ranks strong wind risk at 74/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
43.1 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 52.3°F annual mean and 44.1" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $149,500.

Score Breakdown

Violence
44
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
5
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
49
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
5.2
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 16
Drought 28
Earthquake 27
Hail 10
Hurricane 10
Heat Wave 12
Riverine Flood 10
Ice Storm 14
Landslide 47
Lightning 6
Strong Wind 74
Tornado 28
Wildfire 0
Winter Weather 6

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
84.6°F
Winter low
20.2°F
Heating degree days
5,499
Cooling degree days
893

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$149,500
Median HH income
$68,514
Price to income
2.2×
Property tax rate
0.73%
~$1,087/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
44.5
Homeownership
79.2%
Poverty rate
6%
Unemployment
5.1%

Connectivity

Broadband households
58.6%
No internet access
11.4%

Explore Union County Further

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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.