Brown County, TX
38,373 residents · 945 sq mi · 40.6/sq mi · 43% rural
About Brown County
Brown County is a county in central Texas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 38,095. Its county seat is Brownwood. The county was founded in 1856 and organized in 1858. It is named for Henry Stevenson Brown, a commander at the Battle of Velasco, an early conflict between Texans and Mexicans. The Brownwood, TX Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Brown County.
Prepper Assessment
Living in this area is characterized by a warm climate with an annual mean temperature of 65.4°F and about 29.4 inches of rainfall per year, making it suitable for a variety of crops in USDA zone 9a. The terrain is mostly rural, with a population density of 40.6 people per square mile, allowing for ample space for self-sufficient living. However, the dry sub-humid classification may present challenges for water availability, especially during drier periods.
Natural hazards in the area include a high risk of hail (FEMA rank 88) and wildfire (rank 86), which could pose significant threats to homesteading efforts. Winter weather (rank 78) and riverine flooding (rank 73) are also concerns, albeit less frequent. While the area has a median home price of $137,900, the cost of living may still be impacted by the local economy and the effective property tax rate of 1.21%.
This county may be a good fit for those who appreciate a rural lifestyle and have experience managing risks associated with natural hazards. Individuals with a strong background in agriculture or those willing to invest in protective measures against hail and wildfire might thrive here. Conversely, those seeking a more temperate climate or lower risk of severe weather may find this area less appealing, particularly if water scarcity is a dealbreaker for their self-sufficiency plans.