Hunt & Live

Warren County, NY

65,599 residents · 867 sq mi · 75.6/sq mi · 32% rural

Climate
43.9°F
45.5" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 2.37
Hardiness
Zone 6b
Winter low ~-1.2°F

About Warren County

Warren County is a county in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2020 census, the population was 65,737. The county seat is Queensbury. The county was established in 1813 and is named in honor of General Joseph Warren, an American Revolutionary War hero of the Battle of Bunker Hill. The county is part of the Capital District region of the state.

53
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1321 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

The county features a mix of rural and suburban landscapes, with a population density of 75.6 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 43.9°F, with summer highs reaching 78.6°F and winter lows around 8.8°F. This area has a humid climate with 45.5 inches of rainfall per year, which supports a growing season suitable for various crops typical of USDA zone 6b. The abundance of water resources may benefit self-sufficient living, though the colder winters may limit year-round agricultural production.

Natural hazards include a high risk of lightning (93) and significant cold waves (83), along with landslides (78) and riverine flooding (72). The county's violence percentile is low at 3, indicating a safer environment, while the disaster percentile stands at 62, suggesting moderate risk. The median home price of $240,600 may be a barrier for some, and the effective property tax rate of 1.55% should be considered when evaluating long-term affordability in this area.

This county may be a good fit for individuals or families looking for a balance of rural living with access to suburban amenities, particularly those comfortable with colder winters and potential natural hazards. Homesteaders who thrive in this environment would need to be prepared for seasonal challenges and may find the community's safety and lower violence rates appealing. However, those seeking a warmer climate or lower natural hazard risks may find this area less suitable for their needs.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,116 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#16 of 62 in NY
Ranked #16 of 62 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: lightning
FEMA ranks lightning risk at 93/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
75.6 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 43.9°F annual mean and 45.5" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 6b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $240,600.

Score Breakdown

Violence
15
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
62
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
65
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
62.3
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Avalanche 64
Cold Wave 83
Earthquake 65
Hail 30
Hurricane 67
Heat Wave 36
Riverine Flood 72
Ice Storm 54
Landslide 78
Lightning 93
Strong Wind 46
Tornado 39
Wildfire 25
Winter Weather 52

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
78.6°F
Winter low
8.8°F
Heating degree days
7,903
Cooling degree days
239

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$240,600
Median HH income
$74,531
Price to income
3.2×
Property tax rate
1.55%
~$3,731/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
46.7
Homeownership
70.6%
Poverty rate
8.6%
Unemployment
4.2%

Connectivity

Broadband households
75.6%
No internet access
10%

Explore Warren County Further

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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.