Hunt & Live

Alcorn County, MS

34,204 residents · 400 sq mi · 85.5/sq mi · 64% rural

Climate
60.5°F
58.5" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.92
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~20.2°F

About Alcorn County

Alcorn County is a county located in the northeastern portion of the U.S. state of Mississippi. As of the 2020 census, the population was 34,740. Its county seat is Corinth. The county is named in honor of Governor James L. Alcorn. The Corinth Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Alcorn County.

27
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2766 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 85.5 people per square mile. The climate is humid with an annual mean temperature of 60.5°F and significant rainfall of 58.5 inches per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 9a. However, the terrain may pose challenges for certain agricultural practices, particularly in areas prone to flooding or erosion.

The county faces several natural hazards, with earthquakes (FEMA rank 90) and tornadoes (rank 88) being significant concerns. Additionally, the area experiences cold waves (rank 81) and heat waves (rank 75), which may affect food production and energy needs. With a violence percentile of 89, safety is a notable issue, and the cost of living is moderate, with a median home price of $125,800 and a property tax rate of 0.64%.

This location may suit individuals or families seeking a rural lifestyle with a focus on self-sufficiency, particularly those experienced in managing agricultural risks. However, those sensitive to natural disasters or seeking absolute safety may find the risks here concerning. The hidden gem for homesteaders could be the relatively low property taxes, while the potential for significant weather-related challenges may be a dealbreaker for others.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #2,844 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#66 of 82 in MS
Ranked #66 of 82 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: earthquake
FEMA ranks earthquake risk at 90/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
85.5 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 60.5°F annual mean and 58.5" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $125,800.

Score Breakdown

Violence
87
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
65
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
68
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
65
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 81
Drought 45
Earthquake 90
Hail 31
Hurricane 58
Heat Wave 75
Riverine Flood 52
Ice Storm 37
Landslide 65
Lightning 62
Strong Wind 43
Tornado 88
Wildfire 44
Winter Weather 17

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
90°F
Winter low
30.2°F
Heating degree days
3,311
Cooling degree days
1,721

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$125,800
Median HH income
$47,716
Price to income
2.6×
Property tax rate
0.64%
~$804/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
40.1
Homeownership
65.9%
Poverty rate
17.1%
Unemployment
6.4%

Connectivity

Broadband households
51.1%
No internet access
20.8%

Explore Alcorn 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.