Tangipahoa County, LA
137,048 residents · 791 sq mi · 173.2/sq mi · 46% rural
About Tangipahoa County
Tangipahoa Parish is a parish located on the southeastern border of the U.S. state of Louisiana. As of the 2020 census, the population was 133,157. The parish seat is Amite City, while the largest city is Hammond. Southeastern Louisiana University is located in Hammond. Lake Pontchartrain borders the southeastern side of the parish.
Prepper Assessment
Living in this area is characterized by a humid subtropical climate, with an annual mean temperature of 67.2°F and an average rainfall of 64.8 inches per year. The growing season is relatively long, supported by USDA zone 9b, making it suitable for a variety of crops. However, the terrain is mostly flat and low-lying, which may pose challenges for drainage and flood management. The rural areas, comprising 46% of the population, offer opportunities for self-sufficient living but may lack immediate access to resources.
This area faces significant natural hazards, as indicated by FEMA rankings. Hurricane risk is notably high, ranked 98, alongside other threats such as riverine flooding (91) and tornadoes (90). The population density is relatively high at 173.2 people per square mile, which may contribute to concerns about local crime, given the violence percentile of 76. Additionally, while the median home price is $193,300, the cost of living may still be a concern for some families.
This county may be best suited for individuals or families who are prepared for the risks associated with a humid, hurricane-prone environment and are capable of managing potential flooding. Those with experience in gardening and self-sufficient living will likely thrive here, while newcomers to rural life may find the challenges daunting. A dealbreaker for some might be the high risk of hurricanes, while the hidden gem could be the affordable property tax rate of 0.43%, which may appeal to budget-conscious homesteaders.