Hunt & Live

Yalobusha County, MS

12,364 residents · 467 sq mi · 26.5/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
62.4°F
57.4" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.78
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~22.6°F

About Yalobusha County

Yalobusha County is a county located in the U.S. state of Mississippi. As of the 2020 census, the population was 12,481. It has two county seats, Water Valley and Coffeeville.

50
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1533 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in Yalobusha County offers a predominantly rural lifestyle, with a population density of 26.5 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 62.4°F and 57.4 inches of rainfall, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 9a. The humid conditions can be advantageous for gardening and livestock, although heat during the summer months can be a challenge for some crops and animals.

This area faces notable natural hazards, including a high risk of lightning (FEMA rank 80) and earthquakes (rank 72), which could impact safety and infrastructure. The violence percentile at 95 suggests that crime may be a concern for those considering relocation. While the median home price of $94,100 is relatively affordable, the 36% broadband subscription rate indicates limited internet access, which could hinder remote work or online education opportunities.

Yalobusha County may suit individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with a focus on self-sufficiency. Those comfortable with potential natural hazards and lower technological connectivity may thrive here. However, urban dwellers or those reliant on high-speed internet and urban amenities might find the area's limitations a dealbreaker, particularly given the potential for extreme weather conditions and safety concerns.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,522 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#24 of 82 in MS
Ranked #24 of 82 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: lightning
FEMA ranks lightning risk at 80/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
26.5 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 62.4°F annual mean and 57.4" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $94,100.

Score Breakdown

Violence
96
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
19
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
35
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
19.5
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 48
Drought 45
Earthquake 72
Hail 38
Hurricane 54
Heat Wave 58
Riverine Flood 19
Ice Storm 25
Landslide 56
Lightning 80
Strong Wind 24
Tornado 49
Wildfire 39
Winter Weather 4

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
91°F
Winter low
32.6°F
Heating degree days
2,885
Cooling degree days
1,989

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$94,100
Median HH income
$47,006
Price to income
Property tax rate
0.85%
~$800/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
41.8
Homeownership
69.7%
Poverty rate
20.5%
Unemployment
5%

Connectivity

Broadband households
36.4%
No internet access
27.6%

Explore Yalobusha 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.