Muskingum County, OH
86,113 residents · 665 sq mi · 129.6/sq mi · 51% rural
About Muskingum County
Muskingum County is a county located in the east-central portion of the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 86,410. Its county seat is Zanesville. Nearly bisected by the Muskingum River, the county name is based on a Delaware American Indian word translated as "town by the river" or "elk's eye". Muskingum County comprises the Zanesville, OH Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Columbus-Marion-Zanesville, OH Combined Statistical Area. The Zanesville Micropolitan Statistical Area is the second-largest statistical area within the Combined Statistical Area, after the Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county also comprises the entire Zanesville media market.
Prepper Assessment
Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and accessibility, with a population density of 129.6 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by a humid subtropical environment, with an annual mean temperature of 52.0°F and average rainfall of 41.6 inches per year. This provides a growing season conducive to gardening and small-scale agriculture, particularly in USDA zone 8a. However, the potential for riverine flooding and landslides may complicate certain homesteading activities.
Natural hazards present challenges for residents, with notable risks including landslides (FEMA rank 85) and riverine flooding (rank 84). The area also faces hail (rank 79) and ice storms (rank 72), which can disrupt daily life and agricultural efforts. While the violence percentile is relatively low at 15/100, the county's higher density (76/100) may lead to concerns about community safety and competition for resources. The median home price is $156,100, which may be affordable for some, but could be a barrier for others.
This county is well-suited for individuals or families seeking a balance of rural living and moderate access to urban amenities. Those with experience in self-sufficient practices, such as gardening and livestock management, may thrive here. However, newcomers to homesteading or those unprepared for the risks associated with natural hazards might find the area challenging. The combination of affordable housing and a lower crime rate can be appealing, but the potential for flooding and landslides should be a serious consideration for prospective residents.