Trego County, KS
2,752 residents · 890 sq mi · 3.1/sq mi · 100% rural
About Trego County
Trego County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. Its county seat and largest city is WaKeeney. As of the 2020 census, the county population was 2,808. The county was named for Edgar Trego.
Prepper Assessment
Living in Trego County offers a predominantly rural lifestyle, with a population density of 3.1 people per square mile. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 54.3°F and 22.4 inches of rain per year, making it suitable for a variety of crops in USDA zone 7b. The growing season can be advantageous for self-sufficient living, although the dry sub-humid classification may present challenges in water availability during drier periods.
Natural hazards in this area include hail and drought, both ranked at 64 by FEMA, which may impact agricultural efforts. Wildfire risk is moderate at a rank of 47, and winter weather could pose additional challenges with a rank of 36. While the violence percentile is at 58, indicating a relatively average safety level, the low population density suggests a quieter environment. The median home price is $114,900, which may be attractive but could also reflect limited local economic opportunities.
Trego County may be a good fit for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with a focus on agriculture and self-sufficiency. Individuals comfortable with the potential for drought and hail damage, and who value low population density, may thrive here. However, those reliant on urban amenities or seeking a robust job market might find the area less suitable, with the risk of natural hazards being a key dealbreaker for some homesteaders.