Tompkins County, NY
104,777 residents · 475 sq mi · 220.7/sq mi · 44% rural
About Tompkins County
Tompkins County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2020 census, the population was 105,740. The county seat is Ithaca. The name is in honor of Daniel D. Tompkins, who served as Governor of New York and Vice President of the United States. 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 220.7 people per square mile. The climate is classified as humid with an annual mean temperature of 46.7°F, and it receives approximately 39.9 inches of rain per year. The growing season is moderate, influenced by USDA zone 7b, allowing for a variety of crops. However, the potential for riverine flooding and other weather-related hazards may limit certain self-sufficient living practices.
Risks in this region include a higher likelihood of riverine flooding (FEMA rank 86) and hurricanes (rank 64), which could disrupt homesteading efforts. The cost of living is relatively high, with a median home price of $264,300 and an effective property tax rate of 2.36%. Although the area has a low violence percentile (1/100), the disaster percentile of 74 indicates a notable risk from natural hazards, which could pose challenges for long-term sustainability.
This county may be a good fit for individuals or families who value access to urban amenities while maintaining a rural lifestyle. Those who thrive here are likely to have a solid financial foundation and an understanding of local risks. However, potential homesteaders seeking complete isolation or minimal natural disaster risk may find the area's hazards and costs to be significant dealbreakers.