Hunt & Live

Greene County, IL

11,651 residents · 543 sq mi · 21.5/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
54.2°F
40.4" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.57
Hardiness
Zone 8a
Winter low ~10.3°F

About Greene County

Greene County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2020 United States census, it has a population of 11,843. Its county seat is Carrollton.

67
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #624 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural lifestyle, characterized by a population density of 21.5 people per square mile. The climate is temperate, with an annual mean temperature of 54.2°F and a growing season suitable for many crops, supported by 40.4 inches of rainfall per year. The USDA plant hardiness zone 8a indicates potential for diverse gardening, although the area may face challenges such as drought and heat waves.

Natural hazards are notable in this region, with landslide risk ranked at 76 and drought at 68, which could impact self-sufficiency efforts. While the county has a violence percentile of 60, indicating a moderate level of safety, the disaster percentile of 13 suggests a lower risk of significant natural disasters overall. Economic factors include a median home price of $92,400 and a property tax rate of 1.59%, which may appeal to those seeking affordability, though broadband access is only at 52%.

This county may be a good fit for individuals or families looking for a rural lifestyle with a focus on gardening and self-sufficient living, particularly those who can adapt to the climate and potential drought conditions. However, those seeking urban amenities or extensive internet connectivity may find this area lacking. The key dealbreaker may be the risk of drought and landslides, while the lower cost of living could be a hidden gem for budget-conscious homesteaders.

AI-generated analysis based on county data (climate, hazards, density, housing, economy). For general orientation only.

Key Facts

Ranked #633 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#35 of 102 in IL
Ranked #35 of 102 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: landslide
FEMA ranks landslide risk at 76/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
21.5 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 54.2°F annual mean and 40.4" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $92,400.

Score Breakdown

Violence
57
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
13
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
30
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
13
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 51
Drought 68
Earthquake 56
Hail 41
Hurricane 18
Heat Wave 62
Riverine Flood 13
Ice Storm 15
Landslide 76
Lightning 25
Strong Wind 50
Tornado 32
Wildfire 0
Winter Weather 20

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
87.1°F
Winter low
20.3°F
Heating degree days
5,136
Cooling degree days
1,221

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$92,400
Median HH income
$58,900
Price to income
1.6×
Property tax rate
1.59%
~$1,465/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
42.7
Homeownership
76.9%
Poverty rate
13.7%
Unemployment
3.4%

Connectivity

Broadband households
52.5%
No internet access
16.4%

Explore Greene County Further

Similar Counties

Data sources. Prepper scores are national percentile ranks of firearm fatalities (County Health Rankings 2024 / CDC WONDER), FEMA National Risk Index 2023 composite disaster score, and population density (ACS 2022 + TIGER 2022 land area). Climate from NOAA nClimDiv 1991–2020 normals. Hardiness zone is estimated from climate data and may differ from the official USDA PHZM. Demographics and housing from Census ACS 5-year 2022. All scores are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute advice about where to live.