Hunt & Live

Trempealeau County, WI

30,899 residents · 733 sq mi · 42.2/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
45.2°F
35.3" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.72
Hardiness
Zone 6b
Winter low ~-3.2°F

About Trempealeau County

Trempealeau County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census, the population was 30,760. Its county seat is Whitehall.

58
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #996 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural experience, with a low population density of 42.2 people per square mile. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 45.2°F, with summer highs reaching 81.8°F and winter lows around 6.8°F. The growing season is relatively moderate, supported by 35.3 inches of annual rainfall. While the humid climate is advantageous for diverse crops, the region's USDA zone 6b may limit some warmer-weather plants.

Natural hazards pose significant risks in the county, with notable FEMA rankings for landslides (90), hail (83), and cold waves (79). The area has a disaster percentile of 58, indicating a moderate level of risk for various disasters. Although the violence percentile is low at 12, indicating a safer environment, the median home price of $193,700 may be a barrier for some prospective homesteaders. Additionally, broadband access is available in 64% of households, which could affect remote work possibilities.

This county may be a good fit for individuals or families seeking a quieter, rural lifestyle with a focus on self-sufficiency. Those comfortable with a moderate climate and prepared for the risks associated with natural hazards may thrive here. However, individuals looking for a bustling community or lower housing costs might find this area less appealing. A key dealbreaker could be the potential for landslides or flooding, which may deter some from establishing a homestead in the region.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #917 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#25 of 72 in WI
Ranked #25 of 72 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: landslide
FEMA ranks landslide risk at 90/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
42.2 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 45.2°F annual mean and 35.3" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 6b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $193,700.

Score Breakdown

Violence
19
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
59
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
48
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
58.7
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 79
Drought 38
Earthquake 6
Hail 83
Heat Wave 61
Riverine Flood 68
Ice Storm 46
Landslide 90
Lightning 76
Strong Wind 65
Tornado 60
Wildfire 13
Winter Weather 43

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
81.8°F
Winter low
6.8°F
Heating degree days
7,757
Cooling degree days
571

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$193,700
Median HH income
$68,474
Price to income
2.8×
Property tax rate
1.64%
~$3,180/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
40.9
Homeownership
74.2%
Poverty rate
7.4%
Unemployment
2.6%

Connectivity

Broadband households
64.2%
No internet access
13.9%

Explore Trempealeau 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.