Hunt & Live

Jefferson Davis County, MS

11,088 residents · 408 sq mi · 27.1/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
65.5°F
60.4" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.72
Hardiness
Zone 9b
Winter low ~26.9°F

About Jefferson Davis County

Jefferson Davis County is a county located in the U.S. state of Mississippi. As of the 2020 census, the population was 11,321. Its county seat is Prentiss. The county is named after Mississippi Senator and Confederate President Jefferson Davis. The county was carved out of Covington and Lawrence counties in March 1906. Governor James K. Vardaman signed the bill creating the county on May 9, 1906.

47
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1682 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural lifestyle with a low population density of 27.1 people per square mile, providing ample space for self-sufficient living. The climate is characterized by a warm, humid subtropical environment, with an annual mean temperature of 65.5°F and about 60.4 inches of rainfall per year. This allows for a long growing season suitable for various crops, particularly in USDA zone 9b, although the heat in summer can be challenging for some crops.

However, residents should be aware of significant natural hazards, particularly hurricanes, which rank 78 on FEMA's hazard scale. Other risks include hail, drought, and heat waves, all of which could impact agricultural efforts and daily living. The area also has a high violence percentile (99/100), which may raise concerns for personal safety. Additionally, while housing is relatively affordable with a median home price of $87,800, the median household income of $36,473 may limit economic opportunities.

This county may be a good fit for individuals or families seeking a low-cost, rural lifestyle and who are prepared to deal with the risks associated with hurricanes and heat. It is likely to appeal to those who prioritize space and self-sufficiency, particularly in agriculture. Conversely, individuals sensitive to high crime rates or those relying on stable economic conditions may find this area less suitable for long-term homesteading.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,720 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#30 of 82 in MS
Ranked #30 of 82 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hurricane
FEMA ranks hurricane risk at 78/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
27.1 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 65.5°F annual mean and 60.4" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $87,800.

Score Breakdown

Violence
99
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
23
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
36
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
23.1
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 18
Drought 58
Earthquake 38
Hail 64
Hurricane 78
Heat Wave 56
Riverine Flood 24
Ice Storm 43
Landslide 43
Lightning 38
Strong Wind 43
Tornado 54
Wildfire 57
Winter Weather 23

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
91.6°F
Winter low
36.9°F
Heating degree days
2,088
Cooling degree days
2,282

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$87,800
Median HH income
$36,473
Price to income
2.4×
Property tax rate
0.84%
~$734/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
44.5
Homeownership
81.9%
Poverty rate
23.1%
Unemployment
9.2%

Connectivity

Broadband households
39.4%
No internet access
24.1%

Explore Jefferson Davis County Further

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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.