Hunt & Live

Trimble County, KY

8,539 residents · 148 sq mi · 57.8/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
55.2°F
49.6" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.9
Hardiness
Zone 8a
Winter low ~13.8°F

About Trimble County

Trimble County is a county located in the north central part of the U.S. state of Kentucky. Its county seat is Bedford. The county was founded in 1837 and is named for Robert Trimble. Trimble is no longer a prohibition or dry county.

56
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1107 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural lifestyle with a population density of 57.8 people per square mile, providing ample space for self-sufficient living. The climate is classified as USDA zone 8a, with an annual mean temperature of 55.2°F and 49.6 inches of rainfall per year, supporting a growing season that can be favorable for various crops. However, the region's humidity and occasional strong winds may present challenges for certain agricultural practices, and the availability of local water sources should be assessed carefully.

Natural hazards pose notable risks in this area, with strong winds and tornadoes ranked at 56 and 53 respectively on the FEMA scale, indicating a significant threat. While the county has a relatively low disaster percentile at 12, the potential for landslides and ice storms adds to the risk profile. The violence percentile is high at 98, suggesting heightened concerns about safety, which may deter some prospective residents. Additionally, while median home prices are reasonable at $152,600, the broadband subscription rate of 43% could limit access to information and resources essential for modern homesteading.

This county may be suitable for those seeking a quieter, rural lifestyle with a focus on agricultural self-sufficiency, particularly individuals comfortable with the risks associated with natural disasters and safety concerns. However, it may not be ideal for families or individuals prioritizing safety and connectivity, as the high violence percentile and low broadband access could hinder quality of life. A hidden gem for potential homesteaders is the reasonable property tax rate of 0.76%, which may allow for more financial flexibility in developing a homestead.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,913 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#70 of 120 in KY
Ranked #70 of 120 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: strong wind
FEMA ranks strong wind risk at 56/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
57.8 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 55.2°F annual mean and 49.6" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $152,600.

Score Breakdown

Violence
63
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
12
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
57
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
11.9
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 18
Drought 26
Earthquake 28
Hail 9
Hurricane 14
Heat Wave 19
Riverine Flood 24
Ice Storm 36
Landslide 42
Lightning 22
Strong Wind 56
Tornado 53
Wildfire 4
Winter Weather 10

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
86.5°F
Winter low
23.8°F
Heating degree days
4,695
Cooling degree days
1,172

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$152,600
Median HH income
$66,492
Price to income
2.3×
Property tax rate
0.76%
~$1,163/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
42
Homeownership
81.3%
Poverty rate
13.7%
Unemployment
8.4%

Connectivity

Broadband households
42.6%
No internet access
24.4%

Explore Trimble 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.