Rural living is arguably worse when things go bad. Especially without mutual support.
Defend what you have and you send a message far and wide that you have something worth defending.
RURAL folks stick together.
I lived in So CAL for 29 years.
I only knew my direct neighbors-—no more past 2 houses each directions. Owned that House 27 years.
I DOUBT EVEN THEY KNEW I WAS ARMED.