Hunt & Live

San Jacinto County, TX

28,348 residents · 569 sq mi · 49.8/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
68.2°F
52.2" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.33
Hardiness
Zone 10a
Winter low ~30.6°F

About San Jacinto County

San Jacinto County is a county in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, its population was 27,402. Its county seat is Coldspring. The county's name comes from the Battle of San Jacinto, which secured Texas' independence from Mexico and established a republic in 1836.

39
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2273 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a rural experience marked by a humid climate, with an annual mean temperature of 68.2°F and about 52.2 inches of rainfall per year. The growing season is favorable for various crops, supported by USDA zone 10a conditions. However, the terrain can be variable, and while the population density is relatively low at approximately 49.8 people per square mile, the rural nature may present challenges in accessing resources and services necessary for self-sufficient living.

The county faces several notable natural hazards, including a high risk of tornadoes (FEMA rank 90) and hurricanes (rank 74), which could pose significant threats to safety and property. Additionally, while the area is generally lower in violence at the 67th percentile, the moderate disaster percentile of 59 indicates a potential for various emergencies. The median home price of $167,700 may be appealing, but the effective property tax rate of 1.10% could impact long-term affordability.

This county may be a good fit for individuals or families seeking a rural lifestyle with access to ample water resources and a warm climate. It could appeal to those who are prepared to manage the risks associated with severe weather events. However, those who prefer urban amenities or require high-speed internet access may find the 42% broadband subscription rate limiting. A dealbreaker for many homesteaders could be the tornado risk, while the area's affordability may be a hidden gem for others.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #2,123 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#179 of 254 in TX
Ranked #179 of 254 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: tornado
FEMA ranks tornado risk at 90/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
49.8 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 68.2°F annual mean and 52.2" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 10a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $167,700.

Score Breakdown

Violence
72
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
59
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
53
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
58.9
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 55
Earthquake 20
Hail 29
Hurricane 75
Heat Wave 57
Riverine Flood 61
Ice Storm 59
Landslide 32
Lightning 74
Strong Wind 43
Tornado 90
Wildfire 68
Winter Weather 6

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
94.4°F
Winter low
40.6°F
Heating degree days
1,629
Cooling degree days
2,823

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$167,700
Median HH income
$54,839
Price to income
3.1×
Property tax rate
1.1%
~$1,844/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
45.3
Homeownership
83%
Poverty rate
17.4%
Unemployment
7.1%

Connectivity

Broadband households
42.3%
No internet access
14.5%

Explore San Jacinto 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.