Hunt & Live

Throckmorton County, TX

1,550 residents · 913 sq mi · 1.7/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
64.6°F
28" rain/yr
Water
dry sub-humid
Aridity index 0.79
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~21.5°F

About Throckmorton County

Throckmorton County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, its population was 1,440. Its county seat is Throckmorton. The county was created in 1858 and later organized in 1879. It is named for William Throckmorton, an early Collin County settler. Throckmorton County is one of four remaining prohibition, or entirely dry, counties in Texas.

81
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #171 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a blend of rural solitude and a warm climate, with an annual mean temperature of 64.6°F and an average rainfall of 28 inches per year. The growing season is favorable for various crops, aided by the USDA zone 9a classification. However, the dry sub-humid classification indicates potential water scarcity, which could limit self-sufficient agriculture. With a low population density of 1.7 people per square mile, residents can expect significant space and privacy.

The county faces notable risks, particularly from drought, ranked 85th in FEMA's hazard list, which could impact water availability and agriculture. Wildfire risk is also present, with a FEMA rank of 71, necessitating caution during dry seasons. While the area has a moderate violence percentile of 51, indicating average safety, the low density and rural nature may contribute to a sense of isolation. Additionally, housing is relatively affordable with a median home price of $67,000, but broadband access is limited to 44% of households.

This location may appeal to individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with opportunities for self-sufficiency, particularly those experienced in managing water resources and agricultural challenges. However, it may not suit those who rely heavily on modern conveniences like consistent internet access or who prefer a more connected community. The potential for drought and wildfire may be dealbreakers for some preppers, while others may find the low cost of living and ample space to be hidden gems.

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

Key Facts

Top 4% nationally
National prepper rank: #114 of 3,109.
#16 of 254 in TX
Ranked #16 of 254 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: drought
FEMA ranks drought risk at 85/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Extremely rural
Only 1.7 people per square mile — fewer than 5/sqmi places you in the bottom 5% nationally for density.
Climate profile
Classified as dry sub-humid with a 64.6°F annual mean and 28.0" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $67,000.

Score Breakdown

Violence
49
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
3
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
4
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
3.3
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 8
Drought 85
Earthquake 5
Hail 53
Hurricane 20
Heat Wave 15
Riverine Flood 2
Ice Storm 5
Landslide 21
Lightning 0
Strong Wind 17
Tornado 17
Wildfire 71
Winter Weather 4

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
96.8°F
Winter low
31.5°F
Heating degree days
2,605
Cooling degree days
2,492

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$67,000
Median HH income
$55,221
Price to income
1.2×
Property tax rate
1.31%
~$878/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
48.8
Homeownership
70.1%
Poverty rate
14%
Unemployment
2.5%

Connectivity

Broadband households
44.3%
No internet access
13.1%

Explore Throckmorton 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.