Hunt & Live

Daviess County, IN

33,418 residents · 430 sq mi · 77.8/sq mi · 61% rural

Climate
54.6°F
47.8" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.85
Hardiness
Zone 8a
Winter low ~12°F

About Daviess County

Daviess County is a county in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 33,381. The county seat is Washington.

44
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1912 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and moderate climate, with an annual mean temperature of 54.6°F and around 47.8 inches of rainfall per year. The growing season is favorable for many crops, supported by the USDA zone 8a classification. The terrain is predominantly rural, which can be advantageous for self-sufficient living, although the population density of 77.8 people per square mile may present some challenges in terms of isolation from resources and community support.

The county faces several notable natural hazards, including a FEMA rank of 89 for earthquakes and 76 for winter weather, which can pose significant risks. Additionally, the area has a moderate disaster percentile of 59, indicating vulnerability to various environmental issues. While the violence percentile is low at 4, suggesting a safer environment, the cost of living, with a median home price of $174,000 and a property tax rate of 0.72%, may be a factor for budget-conscious individuals.

This area may be well-suited for those seeking a rural lifestyle with a focus on agriculture and self-sufficiency, particularly if they have the skills to manage the risks associated with natural hazards. However, individuals looking for a highly connected community or those who prefer urban amenities might find the location less appealing. A potential dealbreaker could be the earthquake risk, while the reasonable housing market could be a hidden gem for prospective homesteaders.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,082 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#29 of 92 in IN
Ranked #29 of 92 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: earthquake
FEMA ranks earthquake risk at 89/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
77.8 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 54.6°F annual mean and 47.8" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $174,000.

Score Breakdown

Violence
44
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
59
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
65
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
58.8
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 32
Drought 75
Earthquake 89
Hail 54
Hurricane 30
Heat Wave 66
Riverine Flood 62
Ice Storm 60
Landslide 70
Lightning 54
Strong Wind 66
Tornado 72
Wildfire 22
Winter Weather 76

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
86.8°F
Winter low
22°F
Heating degree days
4,919
Cooling degree days
1,180

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$174,000
Median HH income
$64,113
Price to income
2.7×
Property tax rate
0.72%
~$1,254/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
34.9
Homeownership
70.3%
Poverty rate
9.6%
Unemployment
1.9%

Connectivity

Broadband households
57%
No internet access
18%

Explore Daviess 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.