Hunt & Live

Fremont County, WY

39,472 residents · 9,184 sq mi · 4.3/sq mi · 54% rural

Climate
41.2°F
14.5" rain/yr
Water
dry sub-humid
Aridity index 0.85
Hardiness
Zone 6b
Winter low ~-0.2°F

About Fremont County

Fremont County is a county in the U.S. state of Wyoming. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 39,234, making it the fifth-most populous county in Wyoming. Its county seat is Lander. The county was founded in 1884 and is named for John C. Frémont, a general, explorer, and politician. It is roughly the size of the state of Vermont. Fremont County comprises the Riverton, WY Micropolitan Statistical Area.

52
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1398 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

This area features a vast landscape of 9,184 square miles with a low population density of 4.3 people per square mile, making it suitable for those seeking remoteness. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 41.2°F, with summer highs reaching 81.1°F and winter lows dropping to 9.8°F. The growing season is limited, given the dry sub-humid classification and 14.5 inches of annual rainfall, which may present challenges for self-sufficient living but could also promote a focus on drought-resistant crops.

The county faces significant natural hazards, including a high risk of landslides (FEMA rank 97) and wildfires (rank 93), which could impact safety and property. Additionally, the area experiences winter weather challenges (rank 84) and earthquakes (rank 86). While the violence percentile is favorable at 94, indicating a lower risk of violent crime, the cost of housing is moderate with a median home price of $236,700 and an effective property tax rate of 0.65%, which could be a concern for some prospective residents.

This county may appeal to those who prioritize space and relative safety from urban issues, particularly individuals focused on self-sufficiency and rural living. However, the limited growing season and notable natural hazards may deter novice homesteaders or those unprepared for such challenges. For individuals comfortable with the risks and willing to adapt to the environment, this area offers potential, but those seeking a milder climate or fewer hazards might find it unsuitable.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,835 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#20 of 23 in WY
Ranked #20 of 23 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: landslide
FEMA ranks landslide risk at 97/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Extremely rural
Only 4.3 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 41.2°F annual mean and 14.5" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 6b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $236,700.

Score Breakdown

Violence
75
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
60
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
10
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
59.7
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Avalanche 81
Cold Wave 68
Drought 36
Earthquake 86
Hail 37
Heat Wave 15
Riverine Flood 67
Ice Storm 18
Landslide 97
Lightning 84
Strong Wind 23
Tornado 20
Volcano 23
Wildfire 93
Winter Weather 84

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
81.1°F
Winter low
9.8°F
Heating degree days
8,801
Cooling degree days
164

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$236,700
Median HH income
$60,030
Price to income
3.9×
Property tax rate
0.65%
~$1,541/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
38.9
Homeownership
70.7%
Poverty rate
13.9%
Unemployment
8.2%

Connectivity

Broadband households
62.7%
No internet access
12.5%

Explore Fremont 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.