Hunt & Live

Cache County, UT

140,173 residents · 1,165 sq mi · 120.4/sq mi · 14% rural

Climate
44.1°F
28.6" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.54
Hardiness
Zone 7b
Winter low ~6.1°F

About Cache County

Cache County is a county located in the northern region of Utah bordering Idaho. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 133,154, with an estimated 145,487 in 2024. Its county seat and largest city is Logan. Cache County is one of two counties included in the Logan metropolitan area, alongside Franklin County, Idaho.

48
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1623 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

This area offers a mix of rural and urban living, with a population density of 120.4 people per square mile. The climate features a mean annual temperature of 44.1°F and receives about 28.6 inches of rain annually, which supports a growing season suitable for USDA zone 7b. The terrain can be variable, offering both agricultural opportunities and challenges, while the humid classification suggests a reliable water supply for self-sufficient living.

However, potential residents should be aware of significant natural hazards. The county ranks high for earthquake risk (95) and winter weather challenges (93), alongside notable risks for avalanches (93) and wildfires (85). The cost of housing is relatively high, with a median home price of $351,700, which may pose a barrier for some. Additionally, the area has a higher density percentile (75), indicating that it may not feel as remote as some homesteaders prefer.

This county may suit individuals or families looking for a balance between rural and suburban life, especially those who can manage higher housing costs and are prepared for natural hazards. Homesteaders with experience in mitigating risks associated with winter weather and earthquakes may thrive here. Conversely, those seeking a more isolated or lower-cost environment may find this area less appealing due to its population density and associated risks.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,547 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#24 of 29 in UT
Ranked #24 of 29 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: earthquake
FEMA ranks earthquake risk at 95/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 120/sqmi
Densely populated at 120 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 44.1°F annual mean and 28.6" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 7b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $351,700.

Score Breakdown

Violence
14
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
67
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
75
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
66.5
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Avalanche 93
Cold Wave 54
Drought 58
Earthquake 95
Hail 16
Heat Wave 56
Riverine Flood 46
Ice Storm 21
Landslide 85
Lightning 85
Strong Wind 24
Tornado 21
Wildfire 85
Winter Weather 93

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
81.6°F
Winter low
16.1°F
Heating degree days
7,854
Cooling degree days
252

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$351,700
Median HH income
$72,719
Price to income
4.8×
Property tax rate
0.51%
~$1,794/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
25.5
Homeownership
64.1%
Poverty rate
13.5%
Unemployment
2.4%

Connectivity

Broadband households
76.8%
No internet access
4.6%

Explore Cache 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.