Hunt & Live

Perry County, KY

27,361 residents · 340 sq mi · 80.5/sq mi · 73% rural

Climate
55.8°F
50" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.9
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~15.5°F

About Perry County

Perry County is a county in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 28,473. Its county seat is Hazard. The county was founded in 1820. Both the county and county seat are named for Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, a naval hero in the War of 1812.

25
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2810 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and a humid climate, with an annual mean temperature of 55.8°F and about 50 inches of rainfall each year. The growing season benefits from USDA zone 8b, allowing for a variety of crops. However, the presence of steep terrain in some areas may limit accessibility and agricultural potential. The county's rural character, with 73% of its population living outside urban centers, provides opportunities for self-sufficient living but may also pose challenges in terms of resources and infrastructure.

This area faces several notable natural hazards, including a high risk of landslides (FEMA rank 92) and riverine flooding (rank 86), which could impact homesteading efforts. The wildfires and winter weather risks are also significant, with ranks of 78 and 67, respectively. Additionally, while the median home price is relatively affordable at $92,800, the higher violence percentile (75/100) may be a concern for those prioritizing safety. The cost of living is manageable, but potential residents should weigh these risks carefully.

This county may be a good fit for individuals or families who are experienced in rural living and can adapt to the challenges presented by natural hazards. Those who thrive in self-sufficient environments and can manage the risks associated with landslides and flooding might find a suitable home here. However, individuals seeking a completely safe environment or those reliant on urban amenities may struggle with the county's limitations and risks.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #2,769 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#108 of 120 in KY
Ranked #108 of 120 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: landslide
FEMA ranks landslide risk at 92/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
80.5 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 55.8°F annual mean and 50.0" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $92,800.

Score Breakdown

Violence
87
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
73
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
66
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
73.2
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Avalanche 55
Cold Wave 53
Earthquake 50
Hail 51
Hurricane 44
Heat Wave 41
Riverine Flood 86
Ice Storm 13
Landslide 92
Lightning 48
Strong Wind 55
Tornado 34
Wildfire 78
Winter Weather 67

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
85.5°F
Winter low
25.5°F
Heating degree days
4,383
Cooling degree days
1,058

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$92,800
Median HH income
$45,330
Price to income
Property tax rate
0.72%
~$666/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
41.3
Homeownership
75.7%
Poverty rate
23.8%
Unemployment
7.5%

Connectivity

Broadband households
72.5%
No internet access
13%

Explore Perry 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.