These Are the Top 10 Places in the U.S. to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse

The world has been inundated with all things zombie ever since the novel and movie “World War Z” and “The Walking Dead” series hit the screen, but the jury is still out as to how to safeguard oneself should the undead take over.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention even got in on the act, publishing a blog post in 2011 about zombie apocalypse preparedness, writing, “You may laugh now, but when it happens you’ll be happy you read this.” So, thankfully, FindTheHome has put together a definitive list of best bet locations should the famed apocalypse ever become a reality.

If self-defense is your main concern, consider the gun-friendly locations with nearby military bases:

But if having access to resources is your top priority, these locations are your most attractive options:

And as for the overall best areas to survive the walking dead, here's a map of apocalyptic safe zones:

Check out this breakdown of the top 10 U.S. cities that give you the best shot at survival, based on FindTheHome's metrics:

#10. Arlington, VA

Arlington Zombie Index: 89.2

Resource Score: 29.2

Defense Score: 78.1

Demographics Score: 87.5

#9. Little Rock, AR

Little Rock Zombie Index: 89.3

Resource Score: 50.7

Defense Score: 67.6

Demographics Score: 77.3

#8. Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach Zombie Index: 89.6

Resource Score: 62.1

Defense Score: 62.4

Demographics Score: 72.6

#7. Boise City, ID

Boise City Zombie Index: 89.8

Resource Score: 40.6

Defense Score: 80.0

Demographics Score: 77.9

#6. Huntsville, AL

Huntsville Zombie Index: 90.0

Resource Score: 42.0

Defense Score: 80.0

Demographics Score: 77.8

#5. Lubbock, TX

Lubbock Zombie Index: 90.1

Resource Score: 61.8

Defense Score: 68.7

Demographics Score: 69.5

#4. Stamford, CT

Stamford Zombie Index: 90.2

Resource Score: 40.0

Defense Score: 80.0

Demographics Score: 80.9

#3. Anchorage, AK

Anchorage Zombie Index: 90.3

Resource Score: 62.1

Defense Score: 66.3

Demographics Score: 73.0

#2. Tampa, FL

Tampa Zombie Index: 90.4

Resource Score: 48.7

Defense Score: 80.0

Demographics Score: 73.1

#1. Columbia, MO

Columbia Zombie Index: 91.9

Resource Score: 49.1

Defense Score: 77.6

Demographics Score: 83.6

See More Fun Facts About Your City on FindTheHome

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Front page image via Shutterstock. This story has been updated to correct one of the heat maps.