Tuscarawas County, OH
91,937 residents · 568 sq mi · 162.0/sq mi · 50% rural
About Tuscarawas County
Tuscarawas County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 93,263. Its county seat is New Philadelphia. Its name is a Delaware Indian word variously translated as "old town" or "open mouth". Tuscarawas County comprises the New Philadelphia–Dover, OH Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Cleveland–Akron–Canton, OH Combined Statistical Area.
Prepper Assessment
Living in this area offers a mix of rural and suburban characteristics, with a population density of 162 people per square mile. The climate features a humid environment with an annual mean temperature of 51.1°F and about 41 inches of rainfall each year, creating a suitable growing season for various crops in USDA zone 7b. Water availability is generally good, but the terrain may present some limitations for extensive agricultural practices due to potential flooding in certain areas.
Natural hazards in the region include hail, landslides, and riverine flooding, with FEMA hazard rankings of 86, 83, and 82 respectively, indicating significant risks. The county has a disaster percentile of 69, suggesting a moderate level of vulnerability to natural disasters. While the violence percentile is low at 20, indicating a safer environment, the relatively high population density may not appeal to those seeking extreme remoteness or solitude. Additionally, the median home price of $163,700 could be a barrier for some potential homesteaders.
This county may be a good fit for homesteaders who appreciate a balance of rural living with access to community resources, as indicated by a broadband subscription rate of 64%. Those who thrive here are likely to be adaptable and prepared for the moderate risks associated with natural hazards. However, individuals seeking a completely isolated lifestyle or those with limited financial means may find the area's density and housing market to be challenges in their pursuit of self-sufficiency.