Hunt & Live

Haskell County, TX

5,403 residents · 903 sq mi · 6.0/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
64.4°F
26" rain/yr
Water
dry sub-humid
Aridity index 0.73
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~21.1°F

About Haskell County

Haskell County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, its population was 5,416. The county seat is Haskell. The county was created in 1858 and later organized in 1885. It is named for Charles Ready Haskell, who was killed in the Goliad massacre.

76
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #330 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a rural lifestyle with a low population density of 6.0 people per square mile, making it suitable for those seeking solitude. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 64.4°F and an average of 26 inches of rainfall, supporting a growing season typical of USDA zone 9a. However, the dry sub-humid classification indicates limited water resources, which may pose challenges for self-sufficient living, particularly in drought periods.

The county faces several natural hazards, notably drought (FEMA rank 86) and wildfire risk (FEMA rank 80), which could significantly impact agricultural endeavors. While the area has a moderate violence percentile of 51/100, indicating average safety levels, the disaster percentile at 12/100 suggests a lower likelihood of severe natural disasters. Additionally, the median home price is $69,800, which is relatively affordable, but broadband access is only 54%, potentially limiting connectivity for remote work or online learning.

This county is a good fit for individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural environment and who are prepared to manage water scarcity and wildfire risks. Those with skills in agriculture and self-sufficiency will likely thrive here. However, individuals reliant on high-speed internet or urban amenities may find the limited connectivity and remoteness challenging, making this area less suitable for them.

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

Key Facts

Top 9% nationally
National prepper rank: #270 of 3,109.
#41 of 254 in TX
Ranked #41 of 254 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: drought
FEMA ranks drought risk at 86/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
6.0 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as dry sub-humid with a 64.4°F annual mean and 26.0" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $69,800.

Score Breakdown

Violence
49
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
12
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
13
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
11.7
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 11
Drought 86
Earthquake 18
Hail 72
Hurricane 31
Heat Wave 30
Riverine Flood 12
Ice Storm 20
Landslide 15
Lightning 4
Strong Wind 46
Tornado 32
Wildfire 80
Winter Weather 19

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
96.9°F
Winter low
31.1°F
Heating degree days
2,652
Cooling degree days
2,479

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$69,800
Median HH income
$52,786
Price to income
1.3×
Property tax rate
1.24%
~$865/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
44.3
Homeownership
70%
Poverty rate
15%
Unemployment
6.3%

Connectivity

Broadband households
54.3%
No internet access
15%

Explore Haskell County Further

Similar Counties

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.