Your Survival Guy

Preparing your investments and family for when disaster strikes.

Disclosure

  • Home
  • Your Survival
    • Special Report: FOOD SHORTAGE: Crazed Hoarding Is Not Preparing
    • Your Survival Guy’s Super States
    • Constitutional Carry
    • EMP Threat
    • Tucker Explains
    • Newport Gas Outage
    • Water
      • Emergency Water Storage
      • Let There Be Water
    • Get Your Gun and Your Training Now
    • Satellite Phones
    • Navy SEAL Survival Kit
  • Your Money
    • Coronavirus Infects Stock Market
    • Looking for a Better America
    • You Invest, They Win
    • Where to Keep Your Cash
    • Paris
    • How to Buy a Boat
    • Dead or Alive? The Future of Long-Term Investing
    • Is Vanguard too Big?
    • Cryptocosm and Life After Google
    • The Last Intelligence Report
    • The Truth Behind the S&P 500
    • RAGE Gauge
    • How Many “Retirees” Will Keep Working?
    • Your Retirement Life
    • You’ll Love This if You’re Dreaming of an Active Retirement Life
  • Weapons
    • Self Defense
    • Every Family Should Own at Least One Shotgun: Here Are Three
  • About Me
    • Your Survival Guy: “Life on Main Street Hasn’t Been This Hard in a While”
    • Preparing for Times Like These
    • My Videos/Pics
    • Music
      • RIP Neil Peart: You Will Always Be Remembered as a “Modern-Day Warrior”
    • Your Survival Guy: Make Your Bed and The Hero Code
  • You
    • Our Cabin on Kodiak, Alaska
    • If You Are in Pain, this May Help. It Helped Me.
    • How to Save for a Grandchild
    • FIRE! Financial Independence, Retire Early
    • Compound Interest
    • Arithmetic of Portfolio Losses
    • Maximum Portfolio Withdrawal Rate
    • An Efficient Frontier
    • Retirement Compounders
    • Counterbalanced Total Returns
  • Survive & Thrive
    • January 2023: Stacking Wood and Compounding Money
    • December 2022: Your Survival Guy Prefers Bombardier’s Global Express 7500
    • November 2022: Arriving in Style at Le Bristol Hotel, Paris
    • October 2022: Sink Your Teeth into These Bond Yields
    • September 2022: Do You Have the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People?
    • August 2022: “Watch This Boat off Our Stern,” My Dad Said “He’s Coming in HOT”
    • July 2022: MONEY TALKS: Your Survival Guy’s Best Service in Paris
    • June 2022: “I’ve Been with Richard Young for Over 30 Years Now”
    • May 2022: Survive “If You Fail to Plan, You Plan to Fail”
    • April 2022: Dream On! Fishing the Double Down in Key West
    • March 2022: Your Survival Guy Hears the Craziest Investing Stories
    • February 2022: Your Survival Guy’s 2022 Super States
    • January 2022: The Least Affordable Housing Market in the U.S.
    • December 2021: Listen Your Survival Guy is not “Mr. Peanut”
    • November 2021: Joe Biden is Weaponizing Your 401(k) Against You
    • October 2021: Time to Get Your Lazy Cash Off the Couch
    • September 2021: What’s Your Survival Guy Investing in Right Now?
    • August 2021: To Where Will You Flee?
    • July 2021: This Bubble’s Popped Baby
    • June 2021: Your Survival Guy’s Summer Job, Inflation & You
    • May 2021: You’re Telling Me Friends Ask You This Question
    • April 2021: Is There One Best Place in America for ‘Liberty Retirees?’
    • March 2021: America’s Growth Corridors
    • February 2021: Troops in D.C. & Your Authoritarian Virtual Panopticon
    • January 2021: Are You Ready for The Great Reset?
    • December 2020: Disaster Prep in Our Newport Bunker and Your Survival
    • November 2020: Election 2020 Edition: Stock Market is Predicting a Trump Win
    • October 2020: You Invest They Win, AGAIN
    • September 2020: Proud to be an American: Pro-Trump Parade Turns Rhode Island Red
    • August 2020: The Clock is Ticking: You Must Protect Your Family
    • July 2020: What Will Her Life Be Like Now?
    • June 2020: Your Survival Guy’s Home (and Money) Protection Plan
    • May 2020: Future Look at Covid-20, or the Next Deadly Virus
    • April 2020: Only Trump Saw the Risk in America’s Relationship with China
    • March 2020: Coronavirus Infects Stock Market
    • February 2020: Escape the City: Live Small, Cheap, and Safe in America
    • January 2020: Is Your Cash Safe? Probably not This Safe
    • December 2019
    • November 2019
    • October 2019
    • September 2019
    • August 2019
    • July 2019
    • June 2019
    • May 2019
    • April 2019
    • March 2019
    • February 2019
    • January 2019
    • December 2018
    • November 2018
    • October 2018
    • September 2018
    • August 2018
    • July 2018
    • June 2018
    • May 2018
    • April 2018
    • March 2018
    • February 2018
    • Welcome

Survival States: The Best States for Survivalists

October 16, 2012 By The Editors

Where’s the best place to live to avoid a natural disaster? What state offers survivalists the best chances in the aftermath of an Electromagnetic Pulse Attack? Find out by reading our Top 10 Survival States breakdown, and see all 50 states ranked in order of most survivable.

How to read the Survival States Index: The scale for the Survival States Index stretches from 10 to 50, with 10 being the best score, and 50 the worst. The brief summaries of conditions in the survival states do not explain in exhaustive detail all the criteria used to judge the states. The summaries simply review the more critical findings.

The 10 Best and 10 Worst Survival States: #10

10th Best Survival State: Montana

Survival Score: 16.2

With its low population density, unobtrusive gun laws, low crime rates and inexpensive farmland, Montana leads off our top 10 survival states. Montana, perhaps because of its cold climate, comes in somewhat further back in the pack in farm output. That makes sustainable living in Big Sky Country a bit more difficult, but not impossible by any means.

10th Worst Survival State: Nevada

Survival Score: 30.9

Nevada is the nation’s leading state for violent crime, and spends a lot of money to control its rowdy population. Unemployment is the highest in the country, creating a tinderbox for social unrest. What little farmland there is in the Silver State is inexpensive, but output is low in the desert climate. On the bright side for Nevada, gun laws are lenient, and the population is sparse outside the few large cities.

9th Best Survival State: Wyoming

Survival Score: 15.3

Exceptionally low farmland prices, lenient gun laws, low crime rates and low unemployment make Wyoming our 9th best survival state. The Cowboy State is also sparse, with the second lowest population density in the nation. Neighbors won’t be knocking down your door in Wyoming. But farmland in Wyoming isn’t fantastic, and keeping the population peaceful comes at a high cost for such a low crime state in terms of dollars spent per capita on law enforcement.

9th Worst Survival State: Alaska

Survival Score: 31.2

Some survivalists are surely looking at Alaska’s low ranking on our list and wondering what gives. Alaska has great gun laws, and the nation’s lowest population density, but it’s also a haven for violent crime, with mostly unproductive land. There are areas where farming is possible, but the state has varied climates, most of which are hostile. Threats of blizzards and extreme cold also combine to make Alaska a difficult place to survive. Inuit peoples have lived off the land in Alaska for untold generations, so it can be done. But The Last Frontier is so remote that in a disaster situation nothing like a normal life would be possible.

8th-Best Survival State: Vermont

Survival Score: 15.2

Although it is known as a stronghold of liberal sentiment, Vermont has relatively free gun laws, low crime, low unemployment, high homeownership, and safer-than-average exposure to natural disasters. The Green Mountain State is not for the poor, though—farmland is expensive there.

8th-Worst Survival State: Maryland

Survival Score: 31.5

Maryland is the first of our 10 worst survival states that lies on the Eastern Seaboard, but not the last. In fact, 7 of our 10 worst survival states border the Atlantic, while only one of our 10 best does. Maryland has a high crime rate and a very dense population. And the Free State is no friend to gun owners. Buying farmland for a subsistence farm will cost you quite a bit in Maryland too. Unemployment, though, is relatively low, and the state is not plagued by natural disasters.

7th-Best Survival State: Nebraska

Survival Score: 15.2

Nebraska tied Vermont’s survival score of 15.2 by being home to free gun laws, low unemployment, productive land, and a sparse and peaceful population. Unfortunately, Nebraska is prone to some disasters, like flooding and tornadoes. Build your bunker on high ground in the Cornhusker State.

7th-Worst Survival State: Connecticut

Survival Score: 32.5

With a dense population, living on expensive land that doesn’t produce very much, Connecticut is not a survivalist destination. The Constitution State is also heavy on gun control and (ironically) light on the Constitution. Unemployment is high, and it takes a boatload of money to keep the population under control. One positive note for Connecticut is the state’s low rate of property crime.

6th-Best Survival State: Utah

Survival Score: 13.8

Utah scores well in nearly every category we measured, with special recognition given to the state’s protection of the Second Amendment, and low incidence of natural disaster. Farmland is available at low cost in Utah, though it’s not very productive. Violent crime is low in the Beehive State, though property crime rates are higher than average. Utah has a low population density and high rates of homeownership.

6th-Worst Survival State: Florida

Survival Score: 33.9

Although Florida has freer gun laws than most states, its attraction as a survival state is limited by having some of the worst natural disasters of any state in the country. Buffeted by hurricanes and tornadoes, Florida makes life hard on the unprepared. Crime is also high in Florida, and in a state with such a dense population and high unemployment, an eruption of popular discontent could paralyze authorities. Farmland is productive in the Sunshine State, but not cheap.

5th-Best Survival State: Maine

Survival Score: 13.7

Maine is the only state on the Atlantic that made it to our top 10. Ocean access has its benefits and drawbacks when it comes to disaster situations. Access to the ocean could be a boon for survivalists looking for fish as a food source, or for easy transport via the water. But easy transport is also an invitation to intruders. The Pine Tree State has the lowest rate of violent crime in the nation and a very low incidence of natural disaster. Gun laws are free, unemployment is about average, farmland is inexpensive though not very productive. And the population is peaceful.

5th-Worst Survival State: New York

Survival Score: 34.3

New York has the lowest rate of homeownership in the country and spends more than any other state on law enforcement to keep its population under control. These statistics represent the massive effect of New York City on the state. That’s a warning to residents in New Jersey and Connecticut who live adjacent to NYC. They must also deal with the aftermath of any catastrophe that hits it. The Empire State also scores poorly for high unemployment, a dense population, restrictive gun laws, and a high rate of violent crime. The one bright spot among our components is New York’s very low rate of property crime.

4th-Best Survival State: Iowa

Survival Score: 13.4

Iowa’s crop yields are legendary, but that good soil comes at a price. The only factor holding back Iowa is its very costly farmland. If you have the money, the Hawkeye State is a superb survival destination. Free gun laws, low unemployment, low crime, low population density. You name it, Iowa performs well in all our categories, except farmland prices.

4th-Worst Survival State: New Jersey

Survival Score: 35.4

New Jersey has the nation’s densest population. If a disaster strikes, you’ll be pitted against hordes of other people looking for the same resources as you. Farmland is very expensive, and not all that productive. The Garden State boasts high unemployment and terrible gun laws. Violent crime is average, and property crime is actually quite low. New Jersey spends a fortune on keeping the peace. Without a well-funded justice system, this state could be a nightmare.

3th Best Survival State: North Dakota

Survival Score: 11.1

North Dakota has the lowest property crime rate in the nation, and one of the lowest violent crime rates. Gun laws are limited, and North Dakota’s unemployment rate is America’s lowest. The people are peaceable, and sparse. Tornados are a threat, especially in the east, but you are relatively safe from other natural disasters in the Peace Garden State. Farmland is inexpensive in North Dakota, and boasts better than average productivity.

3th Worst Survival State: Massachusetts

Survival Score: 36.1

On a positive note for Massachusetts, it didn’t come in last in any single category we measured. Unfortunately the state came in close to last in most of them. Massachusetts is home to a very dense population with expensive, yet unproductive, farmland. Property crime is relatively low, but violent crime is quite high. Gun laws are oppressive. The Bay State is forced to spend a fortune on keeping the peace and is buffeted by the occasional hurricane from the south, and Nor’easters and cold winters from the north. Even the hardy Mayflower pilgrims couldn’t survive in Massachusetts without help from the Native Americans.

2nd Best Survival State: Idaho

Survival Score: 10.3

Continuing what has become a “West is best” theme for our Top 10 Survival States, Idaho comes in at #2 on our list. Idaho is largely immune to destructive disasters, though watch out for the cold. The Gem State was the first state in our ranking to place better than average in every category. Rates for both violent and property crime are very low, and law enforcement budgets are small. The population of Idaho is spread out, and most own their own homes. Gun rights are protected. Farmland prices are reasonable and productivity slightly better than average. Unemployment is right around average. In all, Idaho gives the survivalist little to complain about.

2nd Worst Survival State: California

Survival Score: 36.8

Our second-worst survival state is California. Without scoring last in any category, California maintained an overall level of mediocrity that pushed it down near the bottom of the list. Starting with the positive, California has the nation’s most productive farmland. But that productivity comes with a big caveat. Nearly 40% of California’s cropland is irrigated. The irrigation systems are powered by electric pumps, which in disaster situations such as an EMP attack will not be able to keep your corner of the Mojave watered. Gun laws in California are the worst in the country. Arming yourself before any civil unrest would be nearly impossible in The Golden State. Natural disasters are another threat in California. Earthquakes, wildfires, mudslides, and more threaten citizens of California, making it an unattractive place to live. Dense populations, expensive land, low homeownership, and high crime rates round out California’s poor survival state résumé.

Best Survival State: South Dakota

Survival Score: 9.0

The Richardcyoung.com pick for best survival state is South Dakota. With free gun laws, low crime, low unemployment, inexpensive farmland, decent crop yields, low incidence of natural disaster, a sparse population, and inexpensive law enforcement needs, South Dakota easily topped the list. The hallmark of South Dakota’s prime placement is the state’s employment opportunities. Unemployment is extremely low. South Dakotans are invested in their state’s success because they have jobs and lives to protect. And people in the Mount Rushmore State are sparse—its largest city, Sioux Falls, has a population of only 156,600.

Worst Survival State: Rhode Island

Survival Score: 37.4

It is unfortunate to see our home state fall last in our ranking. Rhode Island has moderate violent and property crime rates, and gun laws are about average, but our category rankings fall off quickly after those three bright spots. Rhode Island has the nation’s second-worst unemployment, second-worst farmland productivity, and densest population. Farmland prices are the third-highest in the nation. Rhode Island spends a large amount of money on crime prevention, but the return is minimal. It is prone to the same natural disasters and winter storms we detailed when discussing Massachusetts’s poor showing. The Ocean State is beautiful, but its survivability is low.

Complete Ranking of States: 2012
survival states

If you enjoyed this post, email it to a friend:

  • Email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp

Related Posts

Money 101

Trending

  • 4 Life Changing Words for Your Survival Guy: “You Should Try This”
  • Invest with Peace of Mind and Comfort
  • LOSING POWER: Your Survival Guy's Nightmare Scenario
  • Welcome to Hotel California, Where You Can Never Leave
  • The Importance of a Balanced Portfolio
  • Your Survival Guy's 2022 Super States
  • Stocks Go Up and Down: Get Paid Along the Way
  • The World Economic Forum's Record of Destruction
  • America's Super States and Stocks that Respect YOU
  • Don't Let Your Lazy Cash Eat all Your Food

Must Reads

  • Your Survival Guy at Fidelity and Your RMD Compliance
  • Your Survival Guy’s 2022 Super States: #1 New Hampshire
  • BIDEN-FLATION: Here’s Why Prices Are Up At Your Favorite Restaurant
  • Why Mutual Funds and ETFs No Longer Work
  • Your Survival Guy: Simple Prepping for Winter Storms
  • This State Leads America in Gun Ownership
  • Your Survival Guy: Emerging Food and Energy Crisis
  • Parents Are the New Tea Party. Bad Schools Are the New High Taxes.
  • INTRUSIVE GOVERNMENT SURVEILLANCE: Does This Make You Feel Safer?
  • Bad Guy with a Gun STOPPED by Good Woman with a Gun
Only if You’re Serious
Crazed Hoarding Is not Preparing
How to Save Rainwater Effectively
Your Survival Guy in Paris
Your Survival Guy's Fishing Stories
Financial Independence, Retire Early
Money 101
Pandemic Creates Virtual Panopticon
Emergency Water Storage
Find Freedom in America
Second Amendment
How Can You Save Money for Your Grandchild
Great Reset
See Who's Missing the Boat
Richard  Young Reports
How You Can Save Money for Your Grandchild
Why Fidelity is Number One
The Best States for Survival
You Invest, They Win
Escape the City
Why Vanguard is Too Big for YOU
Island Life

Copyright © 2023 | Terms & Conditions

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.