Chemung County, NY
81,426 residents · 407 sq mi · 199.9/sq mi · 26% rural
About Chemung County
Chemung County is a county in the U.S. state of New York. The population was 84,148 as of the 2020 census. Its county seat is Elmira. Its name is derived from a Delaware Indian village whose name means "big horn" in a Lenape language. The county is part of the Southern Tier region of the state.
Prepper Assessment
This area features a mix of rural and urban environments, with a population density of 199.9 people per square mile. The climate is humid with an annual mean temperature of 47.0°F, making for relatively mild summers with highs averaging 80.8°F and cold winters with lows around 15.2°F. The growing season is moderate, suitable for a variety of crops typical of USDA zone 7b. Water availability is decent, with 37.5 inches of rainfall annually, supporting gardening and small-scale farming efforts.
However, this region faces several natural hazards, notably riverine flooding (FEMA rank 72) and hurricanes (rank 66), which could impact long-term self-sufficiency. The violence percentile is low at 6/100, suggesting a safer environment, but the population density percentile is high at 82/100, indicating a more crowded setting. The median home price is $128,200, which may be affordable for some, but could present a barrier for others seeking larger plots of land for homesteading.
This county may suit individuals or families looking for a balance between rural and urban living, particularly those who appreciate a community atmosphere. It is less ideal for those seeking extreme remoteness or minimal population density. Homesteaders focused on self-sufficiency should be aware of the flooding risks, which could be a dealbreaker for some, while the moderate climate and reasonable housing prices may be attractive features for others.