Brooke County, WV
21,733 residents · 89 sq mi · 243.7/sq mi · 42% rural
About Brooke County
Brooke County is a county in the Northern Panhandle of the U.S. state of West Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 22,559. Its county seat is Wellsburg. The county was created in 1797 from part of Ohio County and named in honor of Robert Brooke, Governor of Virginia from 1794 to 1796. Brooke County is part of the Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Pittsburgh-New Castle-Weirton, PA-WV-OH Combined Statistical Area.
Prepper Assessment
This area features a mix of rural and suburban terrain, with a population density of 243.7 people per square mile, indicating a relatively populated environment. The climate is humid with an annual mean temperature of 51.8°F and 41.7 inches of rainfall, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 8a. Water availability is generally good, but residents should consider the impact of the local aridity index of 1.77 on certain agricultural practices.
Natural hazards present notable risks, including a FEMA rank of 76 for riverine flooding and 70 for landslides, which could affect property and safety. While the area has a lower violence percentile at 16/100, indicating a relatively safer environment, the overall disaster percentile of 54/100 suggests average risk levels. The median home price of $115,000 may appeal to potential homesteaders, but the effective property tax rate of 0.58% should also be factored into long-term financial planning.
This county may be a good fit for individuals or families seeking a balance of rural living with access to suburban amenities, particularly those who can manage the risks associated with flooding and landslides. However, those looking for complete isolation or extreme self-sufficiency might find the population density and potential hazards challenging. The lower cost of housing could be a hidden gem for new homesteaders willing to adapt to the local conditions.