Multnomah County, OR
795,083 residents · 431 sq mi · 1,844.7/sq mi · 1% rural
About Multnomah County
Multnomah County is one of the 36 counties in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2020 census, the county's population was 815,428. Multnomah County is part of the Portland metropolitan area. It is the state's smallest and most populous county, and its county seat, Portland, is the state's most populous city.
Prepper Assessment
Living in this area offers a humid climate with an annual mean temperature of 51.8°F and significant rainfall at 63.4 inches per year, which supports diverse plant growth. The growing season aligns with USDA zone 9a, allowing for a variety of crops. However, the county's high population density of 1,844.7 people per square mile limits the availability of spacious land for self-sufficient living, and the urban environment may restrict access to the types of resources typically sought by homesteaders.
The county faces significant natural hazards, with a FEMA disaster risk percentile of 98, indicating a high likelihood of adverse events such as earthquakes (ranked 100) and landslides (ranked 97). While the violence percentile is relatively low at 18, indicating a safer environment, the overall cost of living is high, with median home prices at $492,100. This economic pressure can be a barrier for those seeking to establish a homestead or bug-out location.
This area may be suitable for individuals who thrive in urban settings and can navigate the risks associated with natural disasters. Those with a strong financial foundation and an interest in urban homesteading might find opportunities here. Conversely, traditional homesteaders seeking remote, low-density areas may find the county's high population density and associated costs to be significant dealbreakers.