A zombie outbreak, nuclear disaster, or just the collapse of civilization as we know it, some states are simply better suited for survival than others. If things ever go south, these 15 states offer the best shot at staying safe, well-fed, and off the radar while the rest of the world falls apart.
Idaho
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Self-sufficiency is a way of life in Idaho. The mountains provide natural protection, while the thousands of acres of farmland ensure there's always something to eat. Potatoes might be Idaho's claim to fame, but the state also produces wheat, barley, and dairy, so you know food shortages are less of a concern.
Mississippi
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Its access to the mighty Mississippi River makes it a prime spot. The state's warm climate means year-round agriculture is possible, and wild game is plentiful. Hunting and fishing are second nature to many Mississippians, and with strong community ties in rural areas, survival skills are often passed down through generations.
Utah
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If there's one state that knows how to prepare for disaster, it's Utah. The desert might seem like a harsh place to survive, but Utah's massive salt flats and isolated canyons make it a tough spot for outsiders to invade. Plus, the state is home to some of the country's largest freshwater reserves, including the Great Salt Lake.
Texas
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Texans love being prepared. Name it all: land, guns, and plenty of cattle! The state's sheer size means you can escape to remote areas if necessary. Plus, Rural Texans are no strangers to living off the grid, with the combination of wild game, farmland, and independent-minded citizens.
New Hampshire
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New Hampshire's low population means fewer desperate survivors to compete with, and the abundance of fresh water, fish, and game makes long-term survival realistic. Winters can be brutal, but those who know how to prepare will thrive. With substantial gun rights and a culture of self-reliance, New Hampshire is thriving in an apocalypse.
Alaska
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Alaska already operates like it's in a post-apocalyptic world. There is endless wilderness, massive hunting and fishing opportunities, and people who know how to survive in subzero temperatures. Food sources like moose, salmon, and wild berries are abundant, and the remoteness makes it nearly impossible for trouble to find you.
West Virginia
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The Appalachian Mountains make West Virginia a natural stronghold in an apocalypse. There are coal reserves, which means energy can be harnessed, and the state's numerous rivers provide fresh water and fish. Many residents already embrace homesteading, raising livestock, and growing their own food.
Missouri
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Missouri's most significant survival advantage? The thousands of caves that are hidden throughout the state. These natural bunkers provide shelter, protection, and even stable temperatures. The Missouri and Mississippi Rivers run through the state, so fresh water is easy to find. Agriculture thrives here, and hunting is a way of life for rural residents.
Colorado
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When it comes to defense, elevation is everything, and Colorado's got plenty of it. The Rocky Mountains offer natural protection from invaders, while the state's clean rivers and fertile valleys provide food and water. The colder climate keeps disease-carrying pests at bay, and the sparse population in many areas makes it easy to stay hidden.
Arizona
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Arizona may be dry, but it's got something many states don't: year-round agriculture. Thanks to irrigation and a mild winter, crops can be grown even when the rest of the country is freezing. The desert also means fewer people, which means less competition for resources. Plus, the Grand Canyon is a natural fortress if ever there was one.
Minnesota
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Fresh water is survival gold, and Minnesota has more of it than almost anywhere else. It has 10,000 lakes, countless rivers, and rich farmland: a long-term survivalist's dream. The cold winters might be challenging, but they also control certain dangers, like disease and pests. Hunting and fishing are deeply ingrained in the culture.
Oklahoma
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Oklahoma often flies under the radar, but when it comes to survival, this state has serious perks. It's well-equipped for long-term survival with a mix of farmland, forests, and small towns that already operate self-sufficiently. The strong ranching industry ensures food sources remain intact. Quiet but tough, Oklahoma is the kind of place that can handle anything.
North Dakota
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If avoiding people is your survival plan, North Dakota is perfect. There's little competition for resources and plenty of open land to disappear into. The state is packed with farmland where food production is sustainable for the long haul. Natural gas and oil reserves mean energy sources could still be accessible, even in a collapse.
Montana
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Montana's Rocky Mountains provide a natural defense that makes it challenging for outsiders to invade. Freezing winters might scare some off, but for those prepared, the cold is an advantage that keeps pests and uninvited guests to a minimum. If staying off the radar is a priority, this state offers the perfect balance of isolation, resources, and natural protection.
Oregon
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Oregon's mix of forests, rivers, and farmland makes it one of the most self-sustaining states in the country. The Pacific Ocean adds another food source, while the Cascade Mountains create a natural barrier against unwanted visitors. Mild weather in many regions makes year-round agriculture possible, and wild game is plentiful.