Hunt & Live

Chase County, NE

3,772 residents · 894 sq mi · 4.2/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
51°F
18.9" rain/yr
Water
dry sub-humid
Aridity index 0.81
Hardiness
Zone 7b
Winter low ~5.6°F

About Chase County

Chase County is a county in the U.S. state of Nebraska. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 3,893. Its county seat is Imperial.

89
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #51 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a rural lifestyle with a low population density of 4.2 people per square mile, making it suitable for those seeking privacy and space. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 51.0°F and receives about 18.9 inches of rain each year, which supports a growing season aligned with USDA zone 7b. However, the dry sub-humid classification indicates potential water limitations that may affect self-sufficiency efforts, particularly during drought conditions.

The county faces notable natural hazards, including a high risk of hail (FEMA rank 86) and a significant drought risk (rank 68), which could impact agricultural productivity. With a violence percentile of 24/100, the area is relatively safe, but the low density may also lead to limited access to services and amenities. The median home price of $176,900 and an effective property tax rate of 1.12% suggest a manageable cost of living, though economic opportunities may be limited.

This county may be a good fit for individuals or families looking for a quiet, rural lifestyle with a strong emphasis on self-sufficiency and agricultural potential. Those who thrive here will likely be adaptable, with a focus on managing water resources and preparing for weather-related challenges. Conversely, individuals seeking a vibrant community with abundant services or job opportunities may find this area less suitable, as the remoteness and limited connectivity could be a dealbreaker.

AI-generated analysis based on county data (climate, hazards, density, housing, economy). For general orientation only.

Key Facts

Top 38 nationally
Ranks #38 of 3,109 CONUS counties for prepper suitability — top 1%.
#26 of 93 in NE
Ranked #26 of 93 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hail
FEMA ranks hail risk at 86/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Extremely rural
Only 4.2 people per square mile — fewer than 5/sqmi places you in the bottom 5% nationally for density.
Climate profile
Classified as dry sub-humid with a 51.0°F annual mean and 18.9" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 7b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $176,900.

Score Breakdown

Violence
17
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
7
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
10
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
6.7
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 34
Drought 68
Earthquake 9
Hail 86
Heat Wave 12
Riverine Flood 4
Ice Storm 21
Landslide 5
Lightning 23
Strong Wind 25
Tornado 25
Wildfire 25
Winter Weather 24

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
90.1°F
Winter low
15.6°F
Heating degree days
6,008
Cooling degree days
938

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$176,900
Median HH income
$57,313
Price to income
3.1×
Property tax rate
1.12%
~$1,986/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
43.2
Homeownership
74%
Poverty rate
8.2%
Unemployment
2.6%

Connectivity

Broadband households
60.8%
No internet access
9.6%

Explore Chase County Further

Similar Counties

Data sources. Prepper scores are national percentile ranks of firearm fatalities (County Health Rankings 2024 / CDC WONDER), FEMA National Risk Index 2023 composite disaster score, and population density (ACS 2022 + TIGER 2022 land area). Climate from NOAA nClimDiv 1991–2020 normals. Hardiness zone is estimated from climate data and may differ from the official USDA PHZM. Demographics and housing from Census ACS 5-year 2022. All scores are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute advice about where to live.