Hunt & Live

Claiborne County, MS

8,805 residents · 487 sq mi · 18.1/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
65.6°F
57.2" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.61
Hardiness
Zone 9b
Winter low ~27.2°F

About Claiborne County

Claiborne County is a county located in the U.S. state of Mississippi. As of the 2020 census, the population was 9,135. Its county seat is Port Gibson. The county is named after William Claiborne, the second governor of the Mississippi Territory.

50
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1503 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

This area features a predominantly rural landscape with a population density of 18.1 people per square mile, providing ample space for self-sufficient living. The climate is characterized by a warm annual mean temperature of 65.6°F, with a growing season suitable for various crops, supported by 57.2 inches of rainfall per year. USDA zone 9b offers opportunities for gardening, though the humid conditions may require careful management of water resources.

Natural hazards are a significant consideration, with notable risks including hail (FEMA rank 72), hurricanes (68), and tornadoes (67). The disaster percentile of 24 indicates a moderate level of risk, while the high violence percentile of 95 suggests safety concerns in certain areas. Additionally, the median home price of $78,500 may attract those seeking affordable housing, but the median household income of $34,282 could indicate economic challenges for some residents.

This county may be suitable for individuals or families seeking a rural lifestyle with a focus on agriculture and self-sufficiency. Those comfortable with the risks associated with natural disasters and who can navigate the economic landscape may thrive here. However, individuals looking for urban amenities, consistent high-speed internet (only 45% of households have broadband), or a lower risk of violence may find this area less appealing.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,442 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#21 of 82 in MS
Ranked #21 of 82 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hail
FEMA ranks hail risk at 72/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
18.1 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 65.6°F annual mean and 57.2" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $78,500.

Score Breakdown

Violence
99
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
25
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
26
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
24.7
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 22
Drought 64
Earthquake 39
Hail 72
Hurricane 68
Heat Wave 61
Riverine Flood 26
Ice Storm 50
Landslide 70
Lightning 28
Strong Wind 42
Tornado 67
Wildfire 29
Winter Weather 6

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
92.1°F
Winter low
37.2°F
Heating degree days
2,116
Cooling degree days
2,363

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$78,500
Median HH income
$34,282
Price to income
2.3×
Property tax rate
0.61%
~$477/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
33.9
Homeownership
75.5%
Poverty rate
30.4%
Unemployment
9%

Connectivity

Broadband households
44.7%
No internet access
24.9%

Explore Claiborne 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.