Hunt & Live

Garza County, TX

6,262 residents · 893 sq mi · 7.0/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
63.3°F
20.6" rain/yr
Water
semi-arid
Aridity index 0.61
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~20.1°F

About Garza County

Garza County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, its population was 5,816, of which most of the population were residing in its county seat, and only incorporated municipality, Post. The county was created in 1876 and later organized in 1907. Garza is named for a pioneer Bexar County family, as it was once a part of that county.

72
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #431 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in Garza County offers a semi-arid climate with an annual mean temperature of 63.3°F and about 20.6 inches of rainfall per year. The growing season is favorable for crops suited to USDA zone 9a, with summer highs reaching 95.2°F and winter lows around 30.1°F. The terrain is predominantly rural, with a low population density of 7.0 people per square mile, making it suitable for those seeking a remote and spacious environment for self-sufficient living.

However, potential residents should be aware of the area's natural hazards, particularly drought, which ranks high at 97 on the FEMA scale. Other risks include wildfires (ranked 84) and hail (79), which may impact agricultural efforts. The violence percentile is moderate at 51, indicating average safety levels, while the cost of living is relatively low, with median home prices at $87,500 and a median household income of $56,215. Effective property tax rates stand at 1.47%.

Garza County could be a good fit for individuals or families seeking a rural lifestyle with a focus on agriculture and self-sufficiency. Those comfortable with the risks of drought and wildfire, and who appreciate a low-cost living environment, may thrive here. However, individuals looking for urban amenities or those who are not prepared for the challenges of a semi-arid climate may find this area less suitable.

AI-generated analysis based on county data (climate, hazards, density, housing, economy). For general orientation only.

Key Facts

Top 12% nationally
National prepper rank: #371 of 3,109.
#57 of 254 in TX
Ranked #57 of 254 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: drought
FEMA ranks drought risk at 97/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
7.0 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as semi-arid with a 63.3°F annual mean and 20.6" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $87,500.

Score Breakdown

Violence
49
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
20
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
14
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
20
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 20
Drought 97
Earthquake 8
Hail 79
Hurricane 12
Heat Wave 20
Riverine Flood 3
Ice Storm 27
Landslide 7
Lightning 8
Strong Wind 43
Tornado 39
Wildfire 84
Winter Weather 35

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
95.2°F
Winter low
30.1°F
Heating degree days
2,779
Cooling degree days
2,206

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$87,500
Median HH income
$56,215
Price to income
1.6×
Property tax rate
1.47%
~$1,289/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
41.8
Homeownership
69.6%
Poverty rate
15.4%
Unemployment
9.9%

Connectivity

Broadband households
65.7%
No internet access
15.7%

Explore Garza County Further

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Data sources. Prepper scores are national percentile ranks of firearm fatalities (County Health Rankings 2024 / CDC WONDER), FEMA National Risk Index 2023 composite disaster score, and population density (ACS 2022 + TIGER 2022 land area). Climate from NOAA nClimDiv 1991–2020 normals. Hardiness zone is estimated from climate data and may differ from the official USDA PHZM. Demographics and housing from Census ACS 5-year 2022. All scores are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute advice about where to live.