Since 2020, there have been a lot of big changes in the country. Now, more people than ever before are prepping. That should show you how much our country has changed in such a short time. While the federal government tries to figure out what is going on at this time in history, the states are also stepping in.
Along with nature, each state is starting to get a better idea of what kinds of threats it faces. The first step to getting rid of all this fear is to figure out what’s making you scared. You can then get ready for it.
You’ll find a list of all fifty states and a threat profile for each one below. This should be helpful.
Alabama
Natural Disasters: Severe Storms, Flooding, Hurricanes, and Tornadoes
Civil Threats: Alabama has a contentious history with a massive constitution that has been amended over nine hundred times. Most areas are not densely populated, but there is a high poverty rate.
Poverty Rate: 15.5
Alabama is home to two nuclear power plants and several military installations. This makes them a target in warfare. Their natural disaster history is also nothing to laugh at.
Alaska
Natural Disaster: Blizzards, Floods, Wildfires, Landslides
Civil Threats: Low population but high crime rates
Crime Per 100,000: 4185.5 (2nd Highest)
Poverty Rate: 10.1
Alaska is a massive state that requires a special kind of person to live and enjoy the place. It has the second-highest crime rate per capita.
Arizona
Natural Disaster: Wildfires, Drought, Flooding, Extreme Heat
Civil Threats: Arizona is a border state and the crime and chaos that comes along with that.
Crime Per 100,000: 3151.7
Poverty Rate: 13.5%
Arizona is home to multiple military bases and two nuclear power plants. The issues with the border and serious issues with drought and heat give people lots to prepare for in Arizona.
Arkansas
Natural Disasters: Floods, Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Droughts, Ice Storms
Civil Threats: Crime and political corruption, along with poverty, are big concerns in the state of Arkansas.
Crime Per 100,000: 3456.6
Poverty Rate: 16.2%
Arkansas has four military bases, a nuclear power plant, high crime, and poverty with serious threats like hurricanes and tornadoes.
California
Natural Disaster: Wildfires and Earthquakes
Civil Threats: Densely populated areas are overrun with homelessness
Political: Political corruption is at an all-time high in California
Crime Rate Per 100,000: 2827.8
Poverty Rate: 11.8%
During the year 2020 many people left the state because of stringent COVID-19 restrictions and unfathomable tax rates and the natural disaster threats.
Colorado
Natural Disaster: Wildfires, Flooding, Winter Storms and Tornadoes
Civil Threats: Colorado has major cities and suburbs that can be rough for preppers.
Crime Per 100,000 3068.8
Poverty Rate: 9.3%
Colorado is a very diverse state that has some really great places and then some places where you will have to prepare for civil threats and natural disasters.
Connecticut
Natural Disaster: Hurricanes, Floods, Winter Storms
Civil Threats: Old state with lots of political corruption and high population
Crime Per 100,000: 1888.4
Poverty Rate: 10%
Connecticut is a state of political prowess, wealth, and corruption. There are lots of people, a nuclear power plant, and some serious natural disasters to deal with.
Delaware
Natural Disaster: Severe Storms, Snowstorms, Flooding, Drought
Civil Threats: The proximity to large cities can make places in Delaware prime for civil unrest and
Crime Per 100,000: 2748
Poverty Rate: 11.3%
With a nuclear power plant and major air force base there are significant targets in warfare. The highly populated east coast is also dependent on civility and supply chain to survive.
Florida
Natural Disaster: Hurricanes, Floods, Landslides, Severe Storms, Wildfires
Civil Threats: Florida is one of the most diverse states in the union and has a serious population density in large cities like Miami.
Crime Per 100,000: 2666.7
Poverty Rate: 12.7%
Southern Florida has a serious set of natural disasters and conditions to deal with. It also has a tremendous number of military installations in the state and two nuclear power plants that are in the path of hurricanes.
Georgia
Natural Disaster: Tornadoes, Hurricanes, Floods, Ice Storms
Civil Threats: Georgia’s population has grown rapidly and in densely populated areas you must prepare for civil unrest
Crime Per 100,000: 2900.3
Poverty Rate: 13.3%
Georgia is a southern city that is facing the reckoning of the past, like many places in our nation. It is also fighting to keep its economy afloat in hard times. The leadership is questionable, and Georgia deals with its share of disasters.
Also, there are many military installations in this state, including Fort Benning. They draw power from two separate nuclear facilities.
Hawaii
Natural Disasters: Volcanoes, Tsunamis, Wildfires, Earthquakes
Civil Threats: There is a lot of police corruption and even some echoes of racism towards white people that are rarely talked about. Tourism is key to the island’s survival.
Crime Per 100,000: 3118.9
Poverty Rate: 9.3%
Everything has to be shipped to Hawaii. In times of calamity, it is a very bad place to be. Not to mention that it is a volcanic island in the Pacific, which comes with many threats. The cost of living is also extremely high, as also high taxes.
Idaho
Natural Disasters: Wildfires, Floods, Winter Storms, and Wildfires are very common in Idaho
Civil Threats: sparse population density means it is very little in the way of civil threats.
Poverty Rate: 11.2%
Idaho is another top location for preppers. Wildfires are a concern in some locations, but it is a very liberty-minded state. The cost of living is increasing in Idaho.
Illinois
Natural Disaster: Severe Storms, Floods, Winter Storms
Politics: Mayor Lightfoot told reporters that she would only be doing interviews with black reporters. Even though the city has strict gun laws, there are a lot of gun crimes and violent crimes.
Civil Threats: Chicago and the surrounding areas are dangerous, and civil unrest is highly likely in a long-term disaster.
Crime Per 100,000: 2336.9
Poverty Rate: 11.5%
Home to one of America’s most dangerous cities for gun violence, Illinois is a highly populated location with highly suspect political leaders. They utilize the nation’s six largest nuclear power plants and have four military installations in the state.
Indiana
Natural Disaster: Severe Storms, Floods, Winter Storms, Tornadoes
Civil Threats: Low population density and good leadership in many places
Crime per 100,000: 2561.6
Poverty Rate: 11.9%
Indiana is less likely to be attacked in a war because it has few military bases and no nuclear power plants that are running. However, they face their share of natural disasters.
Iowa
Natural Disaster: Floods, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Winter Storms
Civil Threats: Low population density in most places
Crime Per 100,000:1941.6
Poverty Rate: 11.2%
Prepare to deal with the potential for serious flooding. There are no military bases and one nuclear power plant.
Kansas
Natural Disaster: Tornadoes, Severe Storms, Winter Storms, Flooding
Civil Threats: Low population density in most towns and cities makes civil unrest less of a threat.
Crime Per 100,000: 3072.9
Poverty Rate: 11.4%
Furthermore, Kansas faces its share of serious natural disasters. With few military installations and one nuclear power plant, it is less of a target. Its location helps.
Kentucky
Natural Disaster: Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Wildfires, Winter Storms
Civil Threats: Louisville and Lexington maintain decent populations for civil unrest
Crime Per 100,000: 2174.5
Poverty Rate 16.4% (4th Highest)
No nuclear power plants and sparse military bases make it less of an inland target. However, large population centers and high poverty raise the potential for civil unrest.
Louisiana
Natural Disaster: Floods, Hurricanes, Severe Storms, Tornadoes
Civil Threats: There are lots of decent-sized southern cities and the potential for a serious natural disaster. Floods, and Winter Storms
Civil Threats: Low population density
Crime Per 100,000: 1469.9 (3rd Lowest)
Poverty Rate: 10.9%
Maine’s tough winters have to be prepared for, but the population is low, crime is low, and there are only two military bases on the coast. No nuclear power plants
Maryland
Natural Disaster: Floods, Hurricanes, and Winter Storms
Civil Threats: There are many highly populated areas and some of which are very dangerous, like Baltimore and the surrounding DC area.
Crime Per 100,000: 2502
Poverty Rate: 9% (3rd Lowest)
Maryland has some terrible gun laws, has dangerous cities, and can be wrecked by severe disasters. It has one active nuclear power plant and many military installations.
Massachusetts
Natural Disaster: Tropical Storms, Hurricanes, Flooding, Winter Storms
Civil Threats: This is a highly populated state with horrible traffic problems, so you need to be prepared for population density issues.
Crime Per 100,000: 1061.4
Poverty Rate: 9.4%
Massachusetts is an old state with a lot of political corruption. It has a lot of people and can be affected by many different types of natural disasters and civil unrest.
Michigan
Natural Disaster: Floods, Severe Storms, Winter Storms
Civil Threats: Some densely populated areas pose a serious threat
Crime Per 100,000: 2102.9
Poverty Rate: 13%
Michigan has a few densely populated cities besides Detroit. Winters are harsh. There are four nuclear power plants and a handful of military installations.
Minnesota
Natural Disaster: Winter Storms, Floods, and Severe Storms
Civil Threats: Radical leadership and high populations in cities have created the serious potential for civil unrest in Minneapolis.
Crime Per 100,000: 2214.2
Poverty Rate: 9% (2nd Lowest)
It’s cold, and they get snow all the time. You have to be prepared for the winter weather and cold. There are two active nuclear power plants and no military bases.
Mississippi
Natural Disaster: Hurricanes, Floods, Tornadoes, Severe Storms
Civil Threats: Low population density in most towns and cities
Crime Per 100,000: 2637.4
Poverty Rate: 19.6% (HIGHEST)
With the highest poverty rate in the nation and the huge potential for natural disasters, there are threats in Mississippi. There are many military installations and one large, three-unit nuclear power plant.
Missouri
Natural Disaster: Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Floods
Civil Threats: A couple of larger cities pose civil unrest threats
Crime Per 100,000: 3149.2
Poverty Rate: 12.9%
Serious threats from Mother Nature and a creeping crime rate are things to prepare for. The cities are getting more dangerous.
Also, there is one nuclear power plant and three military bases.
Montana
Natural Disaster: Wildfires, Winter Storms, Floods, and Severe Storms
Civil Threats: Low population density means little or no civil unrest threats
Poverty Rate: 2870
Montana is home to the largest Minuteman missile base in the United States, making it a strategic target in times of war. There are some natural disasters to worry about.
Nebraska
Natural Disaster: Floods, Tornadoes, Severe Storms, Winter Storms
Civil Threats: Low population density and low threats
Crime Per 100,000: 2364.7
Poverty Rate: 9.9%
You will be safe if you can weather Mother’s storms. There is one nuclear plant and one military base.
Nevada
Natural Disaster: Droughts, Extreme Heat, Wildfires
Civil Threats: There are some large cities in Nevada with the potential for civil unrest.
Crime Per 100,000: 2979.3
Poverty Rate: 12.5%
Nevada is a state, and there are serious concerns about that. Areas like Las Vegas are big, with lots of people and the potential for chaos.
There are four military bases in Nevada, but no nuclear power plants.
New Hampshire
Natural Disaster: Floods, Severe Storms, Winter Storms
Civil Threats: Low population density
Crime Per 100,000: 1421.7 (LOWEST)
Poverty Rate: 7.3% (LOWEST)
New Hampshire is not a place that faces a lot of threats, and with the lowest crime and poverty rates in the nation, you are not dealing with civil threats.
New Jersey
Natural Disaster: Hurricanes, Winter Storms, Tornadoes, Floods
Civil Threats: Home to some massive populations and surrounded by other giant American cities, you are going to have to prepare to bug out in a long-term disaster.
Politics: There is a lot of corruption, strong-arm politics, and law enforcement in New Jersey.
Crime Per 100,000: 1613
Poverty Rate: 9.2%
New Jersey has some crime-ridden areas, a high population, and a corrupt government. Natural disasters befall them from time to time, and there are military targets and nuclear power plants.
New Mexico
Natural Disaster: Wildfires, Severe Storms, Drought, Severe Heat, Flooding
Civil Threats: High populations and closeness to the border make crime and civil unrest more likely.
Crime Per 100,000: 4276.3 (HIGHEST)
Poverty Rate: 18.2% (3rd Highest):
New Mexico boasts a collection of military bases, and no nuclear power plants, but high incidences of poverty and the highest crime rate in the nation.
New York
Natural Disaster: Severe Storms, Floods, Hurricanes, Winter Storms
Civil Threats: Areas with dense populations are a serious concern
Crime Per 100,000: 1791
Poverty Rate: 13%
New York is a diverse state both in its population and geography. NYC is obviously a prepper’s worst nightmare, but there are very remote locations in the state of New York.
There are five military bases and four active nuclear power plants in New York.
North Carolina
Natural Disaster: Severe Storms, Floods, Hurricanes
Civil Threats: Growing cities make for increased civil unrest threats.
Crime Per 100,000: 2871.7
Poverty Rate: 13.6%
North Carolina faces all the threats of any coastal southern state. Their growing cities are a concern for preppers. There are three active nuclear power plants and an extensive military presence in North Carolina.
North Dakota
Natural Disaster: Floods, Severe Storms, Winter Storms
Civil Threats: Low population density
Crime Per 100,000: 2320.8
Poverty Rate: 10.6%
North Dakotans battle with Mother Nature as their true threat. There are two military bases in North Dakota.
Ohio
Natural Disaster: Floods, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Winter Storms
Civil Threats: The cities of Ohio like Columbus and Cleveland are suffering from the outbreak in crime that most big cities in the nation are suffering from.
Crime Per 100,000: 2,348.85
Poverty Rate: 15.9%
Ohio faces its share of natural disasters, but if you live outside of the city, you won’t have to contend with the agendas and the crime that go along with those places.
Oklahoma
Natural Disaster Tornadoes, Floods, Wildfires, Winter Storms
Civil Threats: Crime rates and civil threats are actually on the decline in 2021. That is saying a lot, as many states and major cities are setting records for violent crime.
Crime Per 100,000: 3277.08
Poverty Rate: 15.7%
Oklahoma ranks third in the nation for the most natural disasters per year. It’s a big deal because #2 and #1 are California and Texas, respectively. Which are states that are much larger than Oklahoma.
Oregon
Natural Disaster: Wildfires, Floods, Coastal Erosion, Landslides, Tsunamis
Civil Threats: Portland has been the epicenter of Antifa violence and civil unrest.
Crime Per 100,000: 3179.5
Poverty Rate: 11.4%
Oregon is a beautiful place that can be affected by a variety of natural disasters. Cities and politics seem to invite the current environment of civil unrest.
Pennsylvania
Natural Disaster: Floods, Severe Storms, Winter Storms, Hurricanes
Civil Threats: High-population cities and their surrounding suburbs are a threat.
Crime Per 100,000: 1795.9
Poverty Rate: 12%
Pennsylvania is a big state, but there are densely populated areas that pose a serious threat. There are four nuclear power plants and five military bases in Pennsylvania.
Rhode Island
Natural Disaster: Hurricanes, Winter Storms, Floods
Civil Threats: You are dealing with densely populated areas, and that is always something to prepare for; COVID cases are pretty high, and there are issues with homelessness.
Crime Per 100,000: 1880
Poverty Rate: 10.8%
It costs a lot to live in Rhode Island; taxes are high, and restrictions on guns and homeschooling make it a place that is tough for preppers. You need to be prepared to deal with a place that is opposed to much of what you believe.
They also have a two-unit nuclear power plant.
South Carolina
Natural Disaster: Severe Storms, Floods, and Hurricanes
Civil Threats: Low population except in major cities
Crime Per 100,000: 3505.9
Poverty Rate: 13.6%
South Carolina faces coastal state issues on the East Coast and has smaller southern cities that could face small pockets of unrest.
There are five military bases and four nuclear power plants in South Carolina.
South Dakota
Natural Disaster: Floods, Severe Storms, Winter Storms
Civil Threats: Low Population Density
Crime Per 100,000: 2133.4
Poverty Rate: 11.9%
Like North Dakota, the battle here is with Mother Nature. There is just one military base in South Dakota.
Tennessee
Natural Disaster: Severe Storms, Flooding, Wildfires
Civil Threats: Low population except in major cities
Crime Per 100,000: 3449.1
Poverty Rate: 13.9%
Tennessee has a surprisingly high crime rate. It faces typical threats from Mother Nature. It has two nuclear power plants and four military bases.
Texas
Natural Disaster: Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Flooding, and Wildfires are the most common natural disasters in Texas.
Civil Threats: The greatest civil threat in Texas is the open US border
Political: Texas is experiencing a rapid political change in its biggest cities
Crime Per 100,000: 2778.1
Poverty:13.6%
Texas is a massive state, and there is a lot of space. The threats at the border, the changing political climate bleeding out from cities due to an influx of people moving from other states, and a decent profile of natural disasters offer up plenty to prepare for!
Utah
Natural Disaster: Wildfires are one of the major natural disasters in Utah. The residents also face things like flash floods, which are the most damaging. Winter storms and landslides are other things to prepare for.
Civil Threats: Civil threats are low in Utah as the state has a very low population density even in Salt Lake City.
Crime Per 100,000:2610.6
Poverty Rate: 8.9% (LOWEST)
Utah is one of the most favorable places for preppers.
However, there are some serious natural disasters that you need to be prepared for. You should be equipped to deal with snow, particularly if you are moving there from a place where you don’t get lots of snow.
Vermont
Natural Disaster: Flooding, Severe Storms, Winter Storms
Civil Threats: Low Population Density
Crime Per 100,000: 1455.1 (2nd Lowest)
Poverty Rate: 10.2%
There are no military bases in Vermont and no nuclear power plants.
Virginia
Natural Disaster: Hurricanes, Floods, Severe Storms, Earthquakes
Civil Threats: Home to the nation’s Capital Virginia has tremendous corruption and civil unrest potential
Crime Per 100,000: 1865.8
Poverty Rate: 9.2%
Virginia is a state with moderate natural disaster threats, political corruption, two power plants, a major naval base, and significant targets in warfare. Potential for serious civil unrest in some locations, too.
Washington
Natural Disaster: Flooding is the most common disaster in Washington. There are about one thousand wildfires a year and you could also prepare for winter storms, landslides, and possible earthquakes.
Civil Threats: Seattle is a west coast hub for civil unrest and major political upheaval
Crime Per 100,000: 3257.7
Poverty Rate: 9.8%
The west coast crime and homeless waves are pervasive in the major cities. Being prepared for floods and wildfires would be important if you plan to live outside the cities in Washington.
West Virginia
Natural Disaster: Floods, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Drought
Civil Threats: Low Population Density
Crime Per 100,000: 1775.5
Poverty Rate: 16%
There are no nuclear power plants in West Virginia and just two military bases.
Wisconsin
Natural Disaster: Severe Storms, Floods, Tornadoes, Winter Storms
Civil Threats: Low Population Density
Crime Per 100,000: 1855.3
Poverty Rate: 10.4%
Wisconsin’s greatest threat comes from Mother Nature.
Wyoming
Natural Disaster: Wildfires, Winter Storms, Landslides, Droughts, Severe Storms
Civil Threats: Low population density and low threats
Crime Per 100,000: 1997.3
Poverty Rate: 10.1%
Wyoming has to face off with nature but has a low population and concerns about civil unrest.
Final Words
Which of these states surprised you? Did you know as much about your state as you thought?
A strong base level of preparedness will allow you to react to and survive many of the disasters and threats in your state. Then you can begin to tailor your preparedness plans to the particular threats facing your state.
Then again, it might be time for you to move on to greener pastures!