Hunt & Live

Robertson County, KY

2,229 residents · 100 sq mi · 22.4/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
54.8°F
48.1" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.87
Hardiness
Zone 8a
Winter low ~13.5°F

About Robertson County

Robertson County is a county located in the U.S. Commonwealth of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 2,193. Its county seat is Mount Olivet. The county is named for George Robertson, a Kentucky Congressman from 1817 to 1821. It is Kentucky's smallest county by both total area and by population.

68
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #575 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a rural lifestyle with a population density of 22.4 people per square mile, providing ample space for self-sufficient living. The climate is characterized by a humid subtropical environment with an annual mean temperature of 54.8°F and 48.1 inches of rainfall per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops. USDA zone 8a indicates potential for a diverse garden, although the risk of landslides may limit certain agricultural practices in specific regions.

Potential downsides include a higher risk of landslides, ranked 44 by FEMA, which could pose challenges for land stability and safety. The area has a relatively low broadband subscription rate of 28%, which may hinder access to online resources essential for modern homesteading. Additionally, the county's median home price of $143,500 may be a barrier for some, even though it remains affordable compared to many urban areas.

This county is well-suited for individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with a focus on self-sufficiency. Those who thrive here will likely appreciate the space and lower population density. However, individuals reliant on high-speed internet or those who need to avoid natural hazards may find this location less appealing. The hidden gem for homesteaders is the affordable housing and favorable growing conditions, despite the trade-offs in technology access and natural risks.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #620 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#1 in KY
The highest-scoring county in Kentucky for prepper suitability.
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Lead hazard: landslide
Highest individual hazard is landslide at FEMA rank 44/100 — moderate.
Sparse population
22.4 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 54.8°F annual mean and 48.1" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $143,500.

Score Breakdown

Violence
63
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
2
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
31
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
1.7
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 11
Drought 16
Earthquake 28
Hail 8
Hurricane 12
Heat Wave 21
Riverine Flood 7
Ice Storm 15
Landslide 44
Lightning 11
Strong Wind 20
Tornado 21
Wildfire 1
Winter Weather 11

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
86.5°F
Winter low
23.5°F
Heating degree days
4,770
Cooling degree days
1,073

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$143,500
Median HH income
$53,798
Price to income
2.7×
Property tax rate
0.57%
~$817/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
39
Homeownership
74.2%
Poverty rate
22%
Unemployment
7%

Connectivity

Broadband households
27.7%
No internet access
30.2%

Explore Robertson 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.