Howard County, TX

Practical resilience for a relocator: food, water, energy, and defensibility

For someone serious about self-sufficiency, Howard County offers a strong foundation. Water is the most critical resource, and the county has multiple layers of supply. The Colorado River provides surface water for irrigation and municipal use, while the Ogallala Aquifer—though declining in some parts of the High Plains—remains a viable groundwater source for those with the means to drill a well. The city of Big Spring operates its own water treatment plant and has a history of investing in water conservation and drought contingency plans. For off-grid living, a properly sited well with a solar-powered pump can provide a reliable, independent water supply. Energy is abundant. Howard County sits in the heart of the Permian Basin, meaning natural gas and oil are literally beneath the surface. Solar potential is excellent, with over 260 sunny days per year, and wind resources are strong—the area is part of the Texas Panhandle wind corridor. A combination of solar panels, a small wind turbine, and a propane or natural gas generator can provide near-total energy independence. The county also has a robust electrical grid connection through the ERCOT system, though winter storms (like the 2021 Uri event) have exposed vulnerabilities in Texas’s isolated grid. For food, the county’s agricultural heritage is a plus. Local farmers and ranchers produce beef, cotton, and some grains. The Big Spring Farmers Market operates seasonally, and the area has several feed stores and agricultural supply outlets. For those willing to garden, the growing season is long (roughly 220 days), though irrigation is essential. Defensibility is a mixed picture. The terrain is mostly flat to gently rolling, offering limited natural cover, but the low population density—roughly 36,000 people in the entire county—means fewer potential threats and more space to establish a secure perimeter. The county’s rural character, with scattered homesteads and ranches, makes it easier to monitor approaches and maintain privacy. However, the lack of natural barriers (mountains, dense forests) means that a determined group could approach from any direction. The local law enforcement presence is modest; the Howard County Sheriff’s Office and Big Spring Police Department are professional but stretched thin over a large area. For a relocator, the key is to choose a property with good sightlines, a reliable water source, and a defensible layout—preferably on a larger parcel away from main highways.

The overall strategic picture for Howard County is one of balanced resilience. It avoids the extreme risks of coastal and urban areas while retaining access to critical infrastructure, jobs, and resources. The oil and gas economy provides a buffer against national economic downturns, and the county’s location—far from major military targets, nuclear power plants, and dense population centers—reduces the likelihood of being caught in a cascading disaster. The trade-offs are real: extreme summer heat, limited cultural amenities, and a conservative social environment that may not suit everyone. But for a family or individual who values preparedness, self-reliance, and a slower pace of life, Howard County offers a solid, defensible base with the resources needed to weather most disruptions. It is not a fortress, but it is a place where a thoughtful relocator can build a genuinely resilient life.