Hunt & Live

Martin County, TX

5,217 residents · 915 sq mi · 5.7/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
64.1°F
15.8" rain/yr
Water
arid
Aridity index 0.46
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~21°F
73
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #402 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

This area features a rural landscape with a population density of 5.7 people per square mile, providing ample space for self-sufficient living. The climate exhibits an annual mean temperature of 64.1°F and an arid classification, with only 15.8 inches of rainfall per year. The growing season is supported by USDA zone 9a, which allows for a variety of crops, although water conservation will be crucial due to the low annual precipitation.

Natural hazards include a high risk of drought (FEMA rank 94), alongside notable threats from hail (77) and wildfire (70). The area's violence percentile is at 51, indicating average safety, while the disaster percentile is relatively low at 20. The cost of living is moderate, with a median home price of $143,500 and a household income of $70,217, but residents should be prepared for potential water scarcity.

This county may be well-suited for individuals with experience in arid farming and those who appreciate rural living. Homesteaders who can manage water resources and adapt to the climate will thrive here. However, those reliant on high rainfall or urban amenities may find it challenging, especially given the area's limited broadband access at 62% and the potential for drought.

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

Key Facts

Top 11% nationally
National prepper rank: #347 of 3,109.
#53 of 254 in TX
Ranked #53 of 254 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: drought
FEMA ranks drought risk at 94/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
5.7 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as arid with a 64.1°F annual mean and 15.8" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $143,500.

Score Breakdown

Violence
49
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
20
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
12
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
20
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 13
Drought 94
Earthquake 11
Hail 77
Hurricane 20
Heat Wave 19
Riverine Flood 29
Ice Storm 6
Landslide 1
Lightning 6
Strong Wind 23
Tornado 24
Wildfire 70
Winter Weather 14

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
94.9°F
Winter low
31°F
Heating degree days
2,586
Cooling degree days
2,284

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$143,500
Median HH income
$70,217
Price to income
Property tax rate
1.04%
~$1,494/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
34.7
Homeownership
60.8%
Poverty rate
16.9%
Unemployment
10.2%

Connectivity

Broadband households
61.9%
No internet access
21.5%

Explore Martin 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.