Hunt & Live

Greeley County, NE

2,227 residents · 570 sq mi · 3.9/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
49°F
26.5" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.18
Hardiness
Zone 7a
Winter low ~2.8°F

About Greeley County

Greeley County is a county in the U.S. state of Nebraska. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 2,188. Its county seat is Greeley Center, also known simply as Greeley.

87
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #71 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in Greeley County offers a predominantly rural experience with a population density of just 3.9 people per square mile. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 49.0°F, with a growing season suited for USDA zone 7a. Residents can expect around 26.5 inches of rainfall annually, which supports various agricultural activities. The area benefits from a humid water classification, making it conducive for self-sufficient living, although the winter lows can be harsh at 12.8°F.

However, this region faces several natural hazards that may pose challenges. Hail ranks high on the FEMA hazard scale at 93, indicating a significant risk, while drought and strong winds are also notable concerns, with rankings of 82 and 58, respectively. Additionally, the county's safety profile shows a violence percentile of 24, suggesting a relatively safe environment, but potential buyers should consider the economic factors, such as a median home price of $85,300 and a property tax rate of 1.58%.

Greeley County may appeal to those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with lower population density and safer conditions. It is well-suited for individuals or families interested in farming or homesteading, particularly those who can manage the risks associated with weather-related hazards. However, those who prefer urban amenities or higher connectivity may find the broadband subscription rate of 56% limiting, making this area less ideal for remote workers or individuals reliant on fast internet access.

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

Key Facts

Top 48 nationally
Ranks #48 of 3,109 CONUS counties for prepper suitability — top 2%.
#31 of 93 in NE
Ranked #31 of 93 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hail
FEMA ranks hail risk at 93/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Extremely rural
Only 3.9 people per square mile — fewer than 5/sqmi places you in the bottom 5% nationally for density.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 49.0°F annual mean and 26.5" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 7a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $85,300.

Score Breakdown

Violence
17
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
13
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
9
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
12.7
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 14
Drought 82
Earthquake 4
Hail 93
Heat Wave 7
Riverine Flood 6
Ice Storm 37
Landslide 19
Lightning 8
Strong Wind 58
Tornado 25
Wildfire 48
Winter Weather 43

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
85.7°F
Winter low
12.8°F
Heating degree days
6,645
Cooling degree days
844

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$85,300
Median HH income
$52,813
Price to income
1.6×
Property tax rate
1.58%
~$1,346/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
43.6
Homeownership
82.5%
Poverty rate
12.5%
Unemployment
1.8%

Connectivity

Broadband households
55.6%
No internet access
15.4%

Explore Greeley 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.