Curry County, OR
23,598 residents · 1,628 sq mi · 14.5/sq mi · 52% rural
About Curry County
Curry County is the southwesternmost county in the U.S. state of Oregon located on the South Coast. As of the 2020 census, the population was 23,446. The county seat is Gold Beach. The county is named for George Law Curry, a two-time governor of the Oregon Territory. Curry County includes the Brookings, OR Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Prepper Assessment
The terrain in this area is characterized by a mix of coastal landscapes and mountainous regions, providing a diverse environment for potential homesteaders. With an annual mean temperature of 53.1°F and 83.4 inches of rainfall, the climate is humid and supports a growing season suitable for a variety of crops, particularly in USDA zone 9b. However, the high rainfall may lead to challenges such as water management and potential flooding during heavy storms.
Natural hazards pose significant risks in this area, with earthquakes (FEMA rank 97), wildfires (93), and landslides (92) being the most pressing concerns. The county's population density is relatively low at 14.5 people per square mile, which may appeal to those seeking remoteness, but the high violence percentile of 96 indicates that safety could be a concern in certain areas. The median home price of $353,200 may also be a barrier for some potential homesteaders.
This county may be a good fit for experienced homesteaders who can navigate the challenges posed by natural hazards and are comfortable with the local economy. Those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with access to resources for self-sufficiency might thrive here. However, newcomers or those inexperienced with risk management and the local climate may find the environmental challenges and housing costs to be significant dealbreakers.