Hunt & Live

Scott County, KY

59,099 residents · 282 sq mi · 209.4/sq mi · 32% rural

Climate
55.1°F
49.6" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.91
Hardiness
Zone 8a
Winter low ~14°F

About Scott County

Scott County is a county located in the central part of the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 57,155. Scott County is part of the Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky Metropolitan Statistical Area. Its county seat and largest city is Georgetown.

46
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1797 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in Scott County offers a blend of rural and suburban characteristics, with a population density of 209.4 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 55.1°F and 49.6 inches of rain per year, supporting a growing season suitable for a variety of crops. The area falls within USDA zone 8a, which allows for diverse gardening opportunities. However, the region's humidity with an aridity index of 1.91 may impact certain agricultural practices.

Scott County faces several natural hazards, with strong winds and tornadoes being the most significant threats, ranked at FEMA levels 92 and 80, respectively. The county's violence percentile of 45 indicates a moderate level of safety, while the disaster percentile of 56 suggests some vulnerability to natural events. Additionally, the median home price of $240,800 may be a barrier for some prospective homesteaders, especially those seeking to establish self-sufficient living arrangements.

This area may appeal to those who appreciate a balance of rural living with access to metropolitan amenities, particularly families or individuals with stable incomes. However, potential homesteaders looking for a low-cost, remote lifestyle may find the density and housing costs challenging. The presence of various natural hazards could be a dealbreaker for those prioritizing safety and resilience in their homesteading plans.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #2,211 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#84 of 120 in KY
Ranked #84 of 120 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: strong wind
FEMA ranks strong wind risk at 92/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 209/sqmi
Densely populated at 209 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 55.1°F annual mean and 49.6" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $240,800.

Score Breakdown

Violence
24
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
56
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
83
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
56.1
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 53
Drought 22
Earthquake 75
Hail 57
Hurricane 37
Heat Wave 50
Riverine Flood 58
Ice Storm 63
Landslide 43
Lightning 72
Strong Wind 92
Tornado 81
Wildfire 15
Winter Weather 70

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
86.3°F
Winter low
24°F
Heating degree days
4,690
Cooling degree days
1,133

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$240,800
Median HH income
$80,782
Price to income
Property tax rate
0.7%
~$1,674/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
36.1
Homeownership
73.4%
Poverty rate
9.3%
Unemployment
3.7%

Connectivity

Broadband households
67.6%
No internet access
6.9%

Explore Scott 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.