Hunt & Live

Langlade County, WI

19,559 residents · 871 sq mi · 22.5/sq mi · 59% rural

Climate
41.3°F
32.4" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.78
Hardiness
Zone 6a
Winter low ~-5.7°F

About Langlade County

Langlade County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census, the population was 19,491. Its county seat is Antigo.

67
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #626 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Langlade County features a mix of rural and small-town living, with a population density of 22.5 people per square mile, allowing for ample space and privacy. The climate is characterized by a humid environment with an annual mean temperature of 41.3°F, 32.4 inches of rainfall, and a growing season suitable for USDA zone 6a. This area offers good potential for self-sufficient living, although the cold winters with lows around 4.3°F can pose challenges for outdoor activities and year-round gardening.

Natural hazards in this region include a high risk of cold waves (FEMA rank 93) and lightning (rank 73), which can impact outdoor living and safety. The area's winter weather (rank 50) can also complicate transportation and daily life during the colder months. With a violence percentile of 28, the county is relatively safe, but it's important to note that only 55% of households have broadband access, which may limit connectivity and access to information for some residents.

This county may be a suitable fit for individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with the opportunity for self-sufficiency. Those comfortable with cold winters and limited internet access may thrive here. However, individuals who prioritize year-round gardening or require constant online connectivity may find the climate and broadband limitations to be significant drawbacks.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #731 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#15 of 72 in WI
Ranked #15 of 72 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: cold wave
FEMA ranks cold wave risk at 93/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
22.5 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 41.3°F annual mean and 32.4" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 6a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $138,000.

Score Breakdown

Violence
19
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
49
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
31
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
49.6
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 93
Drought 29
Earthquake 9
Hail 33
Heat Wave 16
Riverine Flood 39
Ice Storm 33
Landslide 11
Lightning 73
Strong Wind 46
Tornado 46
Wildfire 21
Winter Weather 50

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
78.3°F
Winter low
4.3°F
Heating degree days
8,879
Cooling degree days
263

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$138,000
Median HH income
$55,091
Price to income
2.5×
Property tax rate
1.41%
~$1,941/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
48.6
Homeownership
77%
Poverty rate
12.2%
Unemployment
4.9%

Connectivity

Broadband households
54.6%
No internet access
14%

Explore Langlade 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.