Hunt & Live

Leon County, TX

16,209 residents · 1,073 sq mi · 15.1/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
66.7°F
43.3" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.15
Hardiness
Zone 9b
Winter low ~27.2°F

About Leon County

Leon County is a county in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, its population was 15,719. Its county seat is Centerville.

57
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1086 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and a humid climate, with an annual mean temperature of 66.7°F and 43.3 inches of rainfall. The growing season is favorable for a variety of crops, supported by USDA zone 9b conditions. With a low population density of 15.1 people per square mile, residents can enjoy ample space for self-sufficient living, although access to resources may vary due to the county's rural nature.

However, there are notable risks to consider. The county faces high drought risk, rated at FEMA rank 98, which could impact water availability for agriculture. Other hazards include hurricanes (rank 75) and cold waves (rank 90), which may affect overall livability. With a violence percentile of 74, residents may also experience concerns related to safety, while a relatively low broadband subscription rate of 38% could hinder connectivity for those relying on internet access.

This county may suit those who prioritize space and a rural lifestyle, particularly individuals experienced in managing agricultural challenges and natural hazards. However, urban dwellers or those reliant on modern conveniences might find the limited connectivity and higher natural disaster risks less appealing. A potential dealbreaker for homesteaders could be the drought conditions, while the affordability of housing at a median price of $158,700 may be a hidden gem for those seeking to relocate.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,664 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#149 of 254 in TX
Ranked #149 of 254 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: drought
FEMA ranks drought risk at 98/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
15.1 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 66.7°F annual mean and 43.3" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $158,700.

Score Breakdown

Violence
49
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
58
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
23
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
58.3
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 90
Drought 98
Earthquake 19
Hail 30
Hurricane 75
Heat Wave 50
Riverine Flood 39
Ice Storm 42
Landslide 39
Lightning 65
Strong Wind 46
Tornado 61
Wildfire 58
Winter Weather 28

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
95.2°F
Winter low
37.2°F
Heating degree days
1,967
Cooling degree days
2,619

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$158,700
Median HH income
$57,363
Price to income
2.8×
Property tax rate
0.7%
~$1,112/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
44.7
Homeownership
78.3%
Poverty rate
14.4%
Unemployment
5.1%

Connectivity

Broadband households
38.1%
No internet access
16.9%

Explore Leon 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.