Armstrong County, TX
1,850 residents · 909 sq mi · 2.0/sq mi · 100% rural
About Armstrong County
Armstrong County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, the population of Armstrong County was 1,848. It is in the Texas Panhandle and its county seat is Claude.
Prepper Assessment
Living in this area offers a predominantly rural lifestyle with a low population density of 2.0 people per square mile. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 59.5°F, with hot summers reaching up to 93.5°F and cold winters dropping to 25.4°F. The growing season is moderate, supported by 20.6 inches of rainfall per year, making it suitable for various crops in USDA zone 8b. However, the dry sub-humid classification indicates that water management will be crucial for self-sufficient living.
Natural hazards pose some risks, with drought ranked 98 and wildfire risk at 74 according to FEMA data. The area has a disaster percentile of 20, suggesting a relatively lower risk of severe disasters compared to other regions, but residents should still prepare for potential drought conditions. The violence percentile is at 51, indicating average safety levels, while the cost of living is moderate, with a median home price of $167,600 and a property tax rate of 1.35%.
This county may suit those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle and who are prepared for the challenges of dry conditions and occasional natural hazards. Homesteaders with experience in water conservation and drought-tolerant farming would likely thrive here. However, individuals requiring high-speed internet may find the 65% broadband subscription rate limiting, and those unaccustomed to rural living might struggle with remoteness and limited resources.