Hunt & Live

Crittenden County, KY

8,981 residents · 360 sq mi · 25.0/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
57.5°F
49.8" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.77
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~16.1°F

About Crittenden County

Crittenden County is a county in the U.S. state of Kentucky. At the 2020 census, the population was 8,990. Its county seat and only municipality is Marion. The county was formed in 1842 and named for John J. Crittenden, senator and future Governor of Kentucky.

58
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1003 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this county offers a predominantly rural experience with a low population density of 25.0 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 57.5°F and 49.8 inches of rainfall per year, supporting a growing season suitable for a variety of crops in USDA zone 8b. While the area is humid, the availability of water can be beneficial for self-sufficient living, although potential droughts should be considered.

Natural hazards in the county include a notable risk of ice storms (FEMA rank 88) and earthquakes (rank 82), which could impact infrastructure and daily life. The overall disaster percentile is 30, indicating a moderate level of risk. Additionally, the county's violence percentile is 69, suggesting a relatively higher level of safety compared to other areas, but the economic landscape may pose challenges, with a median household income of $45,810 and limited broadband access at 33%.

This county may be a good fit for individuals or families looking for a quiet, rural lifestyle with opportunities for gardening and small-scale farming. Those who are adaptable and prepared for natural hazards might thrive here. However, individuals seeking urban conveniences, high-speed internet, or extensive community services may find this area lacking, making it less suitable for them.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,197 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#26 of 120 in KY
Ranked #26 of 120 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: ice storm
FEMA ranks ice storm risk at 88/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
25.0 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 57.5°F annual mean and 49.8" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $105,300.

Score Breakdown

Violence
63
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
30
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
34
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
30.4
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 36
Drought 68
Earthquake 82
Hail 34
Hurricane 25
Heat Wave 49
Riverine Flood 31
Ice Storm 88
Landslide 36
Lightning 24
Strong Wind 64
Tornado 48
Wildfire 9
Winter Weather 47

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
88.4°F
Winter low
26.1°F
Heating degree days
4,197
Cooling degree days
1,489

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$105,300
Median HH income
$45,810
Price to income
2.3×
Property tax rate
0.58%
~$614/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
43.4
Homeownership
80.4%
Poverty rate
17.9%
Unemployment
3.4%

Connectivity

Broadband households
33.4%
No internet access
21.9%

Explore Crittenden 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.