With the popularity of shows like The Walking Dead, many people wonder where the best place would be to ride out a zombie apocalypse. Choosing the right state could mean the difference between survival and becoming part of the undead horde. Certain factors make some states better equipped for this hypothetical scenario than others.
What makes a good zombie survival state?
When considering which state would be ideal for surviving the zombie apocalypse, some key factors come into play:
- Low population density – The fewer people packed together, the lower the number of potential zombies
- Availability of weapons – Easier access to guns and ammo makes defense easier
- Agricultural capacity – Ability to grow food and provide clean water
- Geographic barriers – Mountains, rivers, etc. that can impede zombie movement
- Military presence – Bases would have security and weapons
- Survivalist culture – Existing knowledge of living off the land
- Climate – Mild weather allowing year-round access to the outdoors
Keeping these criteria in mind, we can evaluate which states might have an advantage when the zombie outbreak begins.
The West Coast
The western coastal states have some benefits and drawbacks for zombie defense. Climate is generally mild, allowing comfortable outdoor living year-round. However, population density in urban centers poses a problem.
California
With nearly 40 million residents, California has too many potential zombies clustered in metro areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco. The Sierra Nevada mountains offer shelter, but winters can be harsh at high elevations. Agriculture thrives in the central valley, but supporting survivors statewide would be difficult.
Oregon
Oregon has less population density compared to California. The Cascade Range provides a zombie barrier. Gun laws are more relaxed than California. The climate west of the Cascades is mild year-round while still having distinct seasons. However, the population centers around Portland and Eugene prevent Oregon from being an optimal state.
Washington
Similar to Oregon, Washington provides mountain barriers and milder weather west of the Cascades. However, the population centered around Seattle brings issues with zombie numbers. Washington also lacks the farming capacity of other states.
The Southwest
The southwestern states offer warm weather and sparser population distribution. Gun laws are generally loose as well. However, limited water sources and agricultural capacity make survival here difficult.
Nevada
Nevada has vast stretches of remote, rural land ideal for staying hidden from zombies. Las Vegas would be impossible to survive, but the rest of the state provides options. Lack of water and farming are the main drawbacks.
Arizona
Similar to Nevada, Arizona has plenty of rugged rural areas conducive to zombie avoidance. Phoenix and Tucson metro areas would be overrun. Sporadic access to surface water and hot summers make Arizona less than ideal.
New Mexico
New Mexico is sparsely populated outside of Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The climate varies from arid desert to alpine mountains. Weapon access is unrestricted. However, resources are relatively scarce compared to other states.
The Midwest
America’s heartland has advantages like farming capacity and wide-open spaces. The climate is highly variable with harsh winters. Mountain barriers are absent besides the Appalachians on the eastern side.
Nebraska
Nebraska has plentiful farmland for food production and low population density outside of Omaha and Lincoln. The main downside is the lack of geographic barriers to impede zombie migration. Nuclear power plants could provide electricity.
Kansas
Similar to Nebraska, Kansas offers unrestricted gun laws, agriculture, and sparse population. The landscape is flat with no barriers to zombie movement. Tornadoes pose a deadly threat during the spring storm season.
South Dakota
The Black Hills provide shelter from zombies for South Dakota residents. Farmland and low population density are advantages. Harsh winter weather is a challenge. An absence of large cities is beneficial.
The Northeast
In general, the small size and high population of northeastern states make them poor choices for surviving the apocalypse. The climate is not ideal, with harsh winters and humid summers.
Maine
Northern and western Maine have low population, but the state lacks farming capabilities. Winters are extremely cold. Coastlines prevent effective isolation from zombie threats.
Vermont
While less densely populated than other northeast states, Vermont still has too many residents concentrated in Burlington. Farmland is present, but the Green Mountains offer limited protection.
The Southeast
The southeastern climate is generally mild, with warmer winters. Agriculture and low population zones exist. However, summer heat and humidity pose challenges in many areas.
West Virginia
West Virginia has low population density and mountains that provide isolation. Farming is viable. Gun rights are protected. The Appalachian mountain folk have strong survival instincts.
North Carolina
Outside of urban centers, North Carolina offers timberlands and agricultural opportunity. The Appalachians provide protection. Military bases increase weapon access. However, hot humid summers could be dangerous.
Alabama
Rural southern Alabama has farmland, forests, and low population density optimal for zombie survival. Northern Alabama has more challenging mountain winters. Major cities would be impossible to hold.
Texas
Texas offers a vast area with varied topography and climate. Rural ranching communities provide survivor knowledge. Restrictive gun laws limit defense options in urban areas. West Texas faces water scarcity issues.
The Great Plains
The great plains like Montana and Wyoming have low population but extreme weather challenges. Long cold winters coupled with a lack of geographic barriers create difficulties.
Wyoming
Wyoming has an extremely low population of under 600,000. Wide-open spaces allow zombies to roam freely. Agricultural capacity is low. Oil fields could supplement fuel needs.
Montana
Similar to Wyoming, Montana offers isolation but has harsh winters and limited farming viability. The Rocky Mountains provide shelter in western portions of the state.
Top 4 State Picks
Weighing all the criteria, these four states emerge as top choices for riding out the zombie apocalypse based on climate, resources, population density, geographic barriers, and firearm rights.
| State | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Alaska | Low population density, geographic isolation, hunting/fishing resources |
| Idaho | Low population, mountain barriers, agriculture, milder winters |
| New Hampshire | Low population, mountain barriers, timber resources, milder climate than Montana/Wyoming |
| Hawaii | Geographic isolation, year-round agriculture, island barriers |
Analyzing the criteria for an optimal zombie survival location, Alaska emerges as the best state to hole up in.
Why Alaska is the Best State for Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse
Low Population Density
Alaska has the lowest population density out of any state by far with just 1.3 persons per square mile as of 2019. For comparison, the next lowest state is Wyoming with 6 people per square mile. Concentrating survivors will be crucial, so having the lowest initial population makes control easier.
Isolated Location
The state is detached from the contiguous US and accessible only by air or sea. This isolation aids the control of zombie infiltration. Airfields and harbors would need strict management but offer far fewer access points than land borders.
Geography
Much of Alaska consists of rugged wilderness and mountains that are only traversable on foot. The harsh landscape makes clearing zones of zombies simpler. Less mobility keeps hordes contained.
Climate
While winter temperatures are frigid, Alaska’s climate allows for outdoor activities year-round that wouldn’t be possible in the northern continental states. Zombies freeze in the winter, offering a seasonal control advantage.
Natural Resources
Fishing, hunting, trapping and foraging provides sustenance for survivors. Alaska produces 20% of wild seafood in the U.S. Firewood and timber are abundant for fuel and shelter. Existing infrastructure can be retrofitted to new power sources.
Survivalist Culture
Bush pilots, hunters, fishermen and others skilled in remote wilderness survival already populate Alaska. Their expertise will prove invaluable for training newcomers and leading expeditions.
State Size
At over 650,000 square miles, Alaska has more land area than Texas, California and Montana combined. This space allows flexibility to relocate groups and establish safe zones strategically.
Gun Rights
Alaska has some of the least restrictive gun laws in America, behind only Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. Loose regulations aid in procuring firearms for defense.
Challenges of Surviving in Alaska
Despite Alaska’s advantages, challenges exist that survivors must prepare for in advance:
- Extreme cold – Long periods below freezing and risk of frostbite/hypothermia
- Wildlife threats – Bears, wolves and moose pose dangers
- Limited agriculture – Difficult to cultivate crops and livestock year-round
- Fuel scarcity – Heating needs tax wood/gasoline reserves
- Mental health – Sensory deprivation and isolation take a toll
Survivors can counter these issues by fortifying structures, deploying greenhouses, rationing fuel, stockpiling supplies, hunting/fishing locally and maintaining communication networks.
Conclusion
When the zombie virus brings civilization to its knees, Alaska provides the best chance of survival in the long term. The state’s vast size, low population, harsh climate, geographic isolation and wilderness resources offer strategic advantages, despite the difficulties posed by below freezing winters.
Establishing well-supplied settlements shielded by rugged terrain gives inhabitants the requisite security, provisions and psychological health to withstand the zombie apocalypse until either the undead hordes decay or a cure can be discovered.
With flexibility and preparation, the hardy men and women who choose to take refuge in The Last Frontier stand poised to preserve humanity while the Lower 48 succumbs to the zombie masses.