Lincoln County, MT
21,525 residents · 3,613 sq mi · 6.0/sq mi · 78% rural
About Lincoln County
Lincoln County is a county located in the U.S. state of Montana. As of the 2020 census, the population was 19,677. Its county seat is Libby. The county was founded in 1909 and named for President Abraham Lincoln. The county lies on Montana's north border and thus shares the US-Canadian border with the Canadian province of British Columbia.
Prepper Assessment
Living in this area offers a mix of rural tranquility and natural beauty, with a low population density of 6.0 people per square mile. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 42.0°F and 32 inches of rainfall per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 7b. However, the cold winters with lows around 18.5°F may limit year-round outdoor activities and crop growth, necessitating a focus on winter preparedness.
While the county has a low violence percentile of 94, indicating relative safety, it faces significant natural hazards, particularly high wildfire risk (FEMA rank 97) and avalanche danger (rank 94). These factors could impact both safety and property insurance costs. The median home price is $233,400, which may be a barrier for some prospective homesteaders, especially considering the median household income of $44,593.
This county may appeal to those seeking a remote lifestyle with a focus on self-sufficiency and resilience, particularly individuals comfortable with preparing for natural hazards. However, it may not be suitable for those who prefer urban amenities or have limited resources for winter survival. The hidden gem here is the abundant natural resources, but the dealbreaker could be the high wildfire risk, which requires careful planning and mitigation strategies.