Hunt & Live

Jack County, TX

8,922 residents · 911 sq mi · 9.8/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
64.4°F
33" rain/yr
Water
dry sub-humid
Aridity index 0.94
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~22°F

About Jack County

Jack County is a county located in the north-central part of the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, its population was 8,472. Its county seat is Jacksboro. The county was created in 1856 and organized the next year. It is named for Patrick Churchill Jack and his brother William Houston Jack, both soldiers of the Texas Revolution.

74
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #373 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 9.8 people per square mile, making it appealing for those seeking solitude. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 64.4°F and receives 33 inches of rain per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 9a. However, the dry sub-humid classification indicates potential challenges for water conservation and agricultural sustainability during drought periods.

Natural hazards present significant risks, with wildfire ranked 86 on the FEMA scale, indicating a notable threat in this region. Additionally, drought (75) and heat waves (59) can impact agricultural productivity and water availability. The county's violence percentile is at 51, suggesting average safety, while the effective property tax rate of 1.55% may be a consideration for potential homeowners. Broadband access is limited, with only 50% of households subscribed.

This county may be well-suited for individuals or families looking for a quiet, rural environment with a modest cost of living, as evidenced by the median home price of $135,500. Those with a strong commitment to self-sufficiency and the ability to manage potential drought and wildfire risks may thrive here. However, individuals reliant on high-speed internet or those seeking urban amenities might find this area less accommodating.

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

Key Facts

Top 10% nationally
National prepper rank: #313 of 3,109.
#50 of 254 in TX
Ranked #50 of 254 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: wildfire
FEMA ranks wildfire risk at 86/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
9.8 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as dry sub-humid with a 64.4°F annual mean and 33.0" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $135,500.

Score Breakdown

Violence
49
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
11
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
18
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
11.4
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 18
Drought 75
Earthquake 16
Hail 51
Hurricane 30
Heat Wave 59
Riverine Flood 10
Ice Storm 29
Landslide 52
Lightning 4
Strong Wind 34
Tornado 41
Wildfire 86
Winter Weather 14

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
95.8°F
Winter low
32°F
Heating degree days
2,601
Cooling degree days
2,410

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$135,500
Median HH income
$58,861
Price to income
2.3×
Property tax rate
1.55%
~$2,104/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
39.2
Homeownership
72.8%
Poverty rate
14.5%
Unemployment
8.2%

Connectivity

Broadband households
50.3%
No internet access
13.2%

Explore Jack 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.