Greer County, OK
5,547 residents · 639 sq mi · 8.7/sq mi · 100% rural
About Greer County
Greer County is a county located along the southwest border of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of the 2020 census, the population was 5,491. Its county seat is Mangum. From 1860 to 1896, the state of Texas claimed an area known as Greer County, Texas, which included present-day Greer County along with neighboring areas. In 1896 it was designated as a county in Oklahoma Territory under a ruling by the US Supreme Court. The rural Greer County is home to Quartz Mountain State Park, near the community of Lone Wolf, Oklahoma. It is also home to the Oklahoma State Reformatory, located in Granite. Its population has declined since 1930 due to changes in agriculture and migration to cities for work.
Prepper Assessment
Living in Greer County offers a predominantly rural lifestyle with a population density of 8.7 people per square mile, providing ample space for self-sufficient living. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 61.5°F and 26.4 inches of rainfall per year, making it suitable for a variety of crops within USDA zone 8b. The growing season is favorable, but the area experiences drought conditions, classified with a FEMA rank of 93, which could limit water availability for agriculture.
While Greer County provides a peaceful rural setting, it is not without risks. The leading natural hazards include drought, ice storms, and wildfires, with FEMA rankings of 93, 73, and 68 respectively. The area has a violence percentile of 80, indicating a lower risk of violent crime, but potential concerns may arise from economic factors, such as a median home price of $97,400 and a median household income of $55,204, which could affect affordability for new residents.
This county may suit individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with the ability to grow their own food and live off the land. Those who thrive here will appreciate wide open spaces and a low population density. However, the risk of drought and the economic factors may be dealbreakers for some homesteaders, particularly those reliant on consistent water sources or those needing robust job opportunities to support their homesteading endeavors.