St. Tammany County, LA
273,263 residents · 845 sq mi · 323.3/sq mi · 23% rural
About St. Tammany County
St. Tammany Parish is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana named after Tamanend, the legendary Lenape Chief of Chiefs and the "Patron Saint of America." At the 2020 census, the population was 264,570, making it the fourth-most populous parish in Louisiana. The parish seat is Covington. The parish was founded in 1810.
Prepper Assessment
Living in this area offers a humid subtropical climate with an annual mean temperature of 67.7°F and substantial rainfall of 64.4 inches per year. The growing season is long, favoring a variety of crops typical of USDA zone 10a. However, the county's relatively high population density of 323.3 people per square mile may limit the sense of remoteness some homesteaders seek. The terrain is characterized by flatlands, which could facilitate gardening and farming but may also pose challenges for drainage and soil health.
Natural hazards are a significant concern in this region, with the county ranking high for disaster risks, particularly hurricanes (FEMA rank 99) and heat waves (rank 96). The area also faces risks from riverine flooding (rank 94) and lightning (rank 96), which could impact self-sufficient living and property safety. While the median home price is $262,400, the cost of living may be a deterrent for some, especially in terms of property taxes at 0.75% and the median household income of $76,914.
This county may suit those who appreciate a warm climate and a vibrant community, particularly families looking for a suburban lifestyle. However, it may not be ideal for individuals seeking extreme remoteness or those with a low tolerance for natural disasters. Homesteaders should weigh the high disaster risk and population density against the area's agricultural potential and community resources, which could be a hidden gem for those prepared for the challenges.