Hunt & Live

Kendall County, TX

48,973 residents · 663 sq mi · 73.9/sq mi · 57% rural

Climate
66.9°F
32.9" rain/yr
Water
dry sub-humid
Aridity index 0.88
Hardiness
Zone 9b
Winter low ~27.8°F

About Kendall County

Kendall County is a county located on the Edwards Plateau in the U.S. state of Texas. In the 2020 census, its population was 44,279. Its county seat is Boerne. The county is named for George Wilkins Kendall, a journalist and Mexican–American War correspondent. Kendall County is located in the Texas German belt region, an area settled by German emigrants in the mid 1800s.

41
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2154 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and moderate climate, with an annual mean temperature of 66.9°F and an average of 32.9 inches of rainfall each year. The growing season is favorable for many crops, supported by the USDA zone 9b classification. However, the dry sub-humid classification indicates potential water limitations, which could challenge self-sufficient living. The terrain is characterized by the Edwards Plateau, providing both beauty and some remoteness, with a population density of 73.9 people per square mile.

This area faces several natural hazards, including high risks for hail (FEMA rank 87) and wildfire (rank 86), which could impact property and safety. The disaster percentile is 65, indicating a moderate likelihood of experiencing significant natural events. While the violence percentile is relatively low at 31, the higher cost of living, with a median home price of $464,100 and property tax rate of 1.18%, may deter some potential residents. The economic landscape, with a median household income of $104,196, suggests a more affluent community.

Kendall County may appeal to those who appreciate rural living with access to urban amenities, especially families and retirees looking for a quieter lifestyle. However, it may not suit individuals seeking lower housing costs or those unprepared for the challenges posed by natural hazards. Homesteaders should carefully consider water availability and the risk of extreme weather events when evaluating this area as a long-term living solution.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,782 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#161 of 254 in TX
Ranked #161 of 254 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hail
FEMA ranks hail risk at 87/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
73.9 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as dry sub-humid with a 66.9°F annual mean and 32.9" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $464,100.

Score Breakdown

Violence
49
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
65
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
64
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
65.5
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 51
Drought 73
Earthquake 9
Hail 87
Hurricane 48
Heat Wave 46
Riverine Flood 75
Ice Storm 15
Landslide 53
Lightning 78
Strong Wind 64
Tornado 74
Wildfire 86
Winter Weather 76

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
94.5°F
Winter low
37.8°F
Heating degree days
1,801
Cooling degree days
2,535

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$464,100
Median HH income
$104,196
Price to income
4.5×
Property tax rate
1.18%
~$5,489/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
42.6
Homeownership
76.4%
Poverty rate
5.1%
Unemployment
4.8%

Connectivity

Broadband households
78.8%
No internet access
4.5%

Explore Kendall 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.