Anne Arundel County, MD
593,286 residents · 415 sq mi · 1,430.3/sq mi · 8% rural
About Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County, also notated as AA or A.A. County, is located in the U.S. state of Maryland. As of the 2020 United States census, its population was 588,261, an increase of just under 10% since 2010. Its county seat is Annapolis, which is also the capital of the state. The county is named for Anne Arundell, Lady Baltimore, a member of the Arundell family in Cornwall, England, and the wife of Cecilius Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore (1605–1675), founder and first lord proprietor of the colony Province of Maryland. The county is part of the Central Maryland region of the state. Anne Arundel County is included in the Washington–Baltimore–Arlington combined statistical area.
Prepper Assessment
This area features a mix of urban and suburban environments, with a population density of 1,430.3 people per square mile, making it one of the more densely populated counties in Maryland. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 57.0°F and 45.6 inches of rainfall per year, providing a humid environment suitable for diverse crops in USDA zone 8b. However, the growing season may be limited by occasional winter weather events and heat waves.
Significant risks in this region include winter weather (FEMA rank 96) and heat waves (rank 93), which can impact self-sufficiency efforts. The county also faces a high population density, which could lead to social challenges in times of crisis, despite a low violence percentile (8/100). The median home price of $432,000 may pose a barrier for those seeking affordable land for homesteading, and the effective property tax rate of 0.86% adds to the cost of living.
This county may be suitable for those who prioritize access to urban amenities and infrastructure while still wanting some degree of rural living, as 8% of the area is rural. However, it may not be ideal for individuals seeking a remote, self-sufficient lifestyle due to the high density and associated costs. Homesteaders looking for a hidden gem may be disappointed by the limited space and higher property prices, while those valuing community and connectivity might thrive here.