Pottawatomie County, KS
26,273 residents · 841 sq mi · 31.3/sq mi · 66% rural
About Pottawatomie County
Pottawatomie County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. Its county seat is Westmoreland. As of the 2020 census, the county population was 25,348. The county was named for the Potawatomi tribe.
Prepper Assessment
Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and practical resources for self-sufficient living. The county features a population density of 31.3 people per square mile, allowing for spacious land and a rural lifestyle. The climate is characterized by a humid subtropical environment with an annual mean temperature of 53.9°F and 34.1 inches of rainfall per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops. However, the USDA zone 7b indicates that gardeners should be prepared for both summer highs of 89.5°F and winter lows of 17.6°F.
The county faces several natural hazards, with wildfire risk ranked high at FEMA 91, indicating significant concern for fire-related incidents. Other notable hazards include ice storms (FEMA 86) and winter weather (FEMA 76), which could impact living conditions and preparedness efforts. The area's violence percentile is low at 20/100, suggesting a relatively safe environment, but individuals should still consider overall community safety and the potential for economic fluctuations, given the median home price of $221,600 and a property tax rate of 1.10%.
This county may be a good fit for those seeking a quieter, rural lifestyle with the means to invest in property and prepare for various weather challenges. Homesteaders with experience in managing land and crops will likely thrive here, especially with the available broadband for remote work. However, individuals seeking a more temperate climate with fewer natural hazards or those unprepared for the economic realities of rural living may find this area less suitable for their needs.