The Ultimate Zombie Survival Guide: Where to Flee When the Dead Rise

In a world increasingly fascinated with apocalyptic scenarios, the question of where to seek refuge during a zombie outbreak has moved beyond mere horror movie speculation. A recent scientific analysis by CanadaCasino has ranked all fifty states based on their zombie survivability, using six practical metrics: population density, percentage of water area, number of community hospitals, airports, hunting/fishing stores, and military bases per 100,000 residents. While this might seem like a frivolous exercise, it reflects a genuine cultural anxiety – remarkably, a 2023 study found that more than one in ten Americans believe a zombie apocalypse is inevitable, with half of those expecting it within the next three decades. This assessment offers valuable insights into which states provide genuine advantages for survival in any widespread disaster scenario, zombie-related or otherwise.

New Jersey earned the dubious distinction of being the worst state for zombie survival, scoring a dismal 1.66 out of 10. The Garden State’s extreme population density of 1,308 people per square mile would rapidly transform into an undead nightmare during an outbreak. With minimal infrastructure for escape or survival – just 0.9 airports, 2.2 hunting stores, and 0.8 hospitals per 100,000 people – New Jersey residents would face grim prospects. Connecticut followed closely as the second-worst state with a score of 2.15, while Massachusetts and Pennsylvania tied for third-worst at 2.57. California, despite its reputation for emergency preparedness, ranked fourth-worst (2.6), likely due to its massive population centers in Los Angeles and the Bay Area. New York rounded out the bottom five with a score of 2.61, where the density of New York City would quickly become a death trap, though the survey notes that the state’s substantial water coverage (13.6%) might provide some refuge “if zombies can’t swim!”

The analysis illuminates why urban centers would become death traps during any mass contagion event. Dense populations mean rapid transmission of infection, overwhelmed medical facilities, resource scarcity, and difficulty evacuating. Infrastructure that normally supports millions would quickly collapse under crisis conditions. The conventional wisdom from zombie fiction about fleeing cities appears scientifically sound – when infection spreads through proximity, isolation becomes a survival advantage. States with high population densities consistently ranked poorly in the survey, while those offering natural barriers, dispersed populations, and abundant resources proved most promising for long-term survival.

Alaska emerged as the undisputed champion of zombie survivability, scoring an impressive 7.89 out of 10. The Last Frontier’s advantages begin with its remarkably low population density of just one person per square mile, providing vast spaces to avoid infection. Alaska leads the nation in airports (78.5 per 100,000 people), offering unparalleled evacuation options and supply routes. Its strong military presence provides security, while abundant freshwater (14.2% of state area) ensures a critical survival resource. Maine secured second place with a score of 5.31, distinguished by having the highest concentration of hunting and fishing stores nationwide (69.6 per 100,000 people) – essential for acquiring survival gear, weapons, and developing self-sufficiency skills. The Pine Tree State’s substantial water coverage (12.8%) and decent airport accessibility further enhance its survivability profile.

The ranking reveals a clear geographical pattern favoring rural, resource-rich states with dispersed populations. Following Alaska and Maine, the remaining top five includes South Dakota (5.17), Montana (4.93), and North Dakota (4.79) – all states offering vast open spaces, low population densities, and strong outdoor recreational infrastructures that translate to survival advantages. Wyoming, Hawaii, Michigan, Mississippi, and a tie between Oklahoma and Louisiana complete the top ten. These states share common attributes: significant distance from major population centers, abundant natural resources, strong hunting cultures, and multiple evacuation routes. Hawaii’s inclusion might surprise some, but its isolation and water barriers would prove invaluable in containing any mainland outbreak.

This zombie preparedness ranking transcends its entertaining premise by highlighting genuine vulnerabilities in our national infrastructure. The same factors that would make certain states death traps during a fictional zombie uprising would also prove catastrophic during real pandemics, natural disasters, or other widespread emergencies. Population density emerged as the single most significant factor, followed by resource accessibility and evacuation options. The analysis serves as an unusual but thought-provoking lens through which to examine disaster preparedness on a state-by-state basis. Whether preparing for shuffling undead or more plausible emergencies, the data suggests the same conclusion: when society faces existential threats, rural areas with abundant resources and dispersed populations offer the greatest chances for survival. So while a zombie apocalypse remains firmly in the realm of fiction, the lessons from this analysis apply to very real considerations about community resilience, emergency preparedness, and sustainable living in an increasingly unpredictable world.