Hunt & Live

Greene County, NC

20,211 residents · 267 sq mi · 75.8/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
61.5°F
51.7" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.66
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~22.3°F

About Greene County

Greene County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 20,451. Its county seat is Snow Hill.

30
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2686 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in Greene County offers a predominantly rural lifestyle with a population density of 75.8 people per square mile, making it a quiet area for self-sufficient living. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 61.5°F and 51.7 inches of rainfall per year, supporting a growing season suitable for diverse crops in USDA zone 9a. The humid environment, with an aridity index of 1.66, provides ample water resources, although droughts are a noted risk.

The county faces several natural hazards, with hurricanes being the most significant threat, ranked at 93 by FEMA. Other concerns include winter weather (ranked 84) and drought (77), which could impact agricultural endeavors. The area has a relatively low violence percentile of 15, indicating a safer environment, but the 44% broadband subscription rate may present challenges for those reliant on internet connectivity for work or education.

This county is likely a good fit for individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with a focus on agriculture and self-sufficiency. Those who thrive here will appreciate the low housing costs and ample land. However, potential residents should be prepared for the risks of hurricanes and winter weather, making it less suitable for those unaccustomed to such challenges or seeking urban amenities.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,381 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#7 of 100 in NC
Ranked #7 of 100 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hurricane
FEMA ranks hurricane risk at 93/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
75.8 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 61.5°F annual mean and 51.7" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $108,300.

Score Breakdown

Violence
84
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
63
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
65
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
62.6
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Coastal Flood 23
Cold Wave 31
Drought 77
Earthquake 47
Hail 60
Hurricane 93
Heat Wave 57
Riverine Flood 40
Ice Storm 41
Landslide 10
Lightning 42
Strong Wind 41
Tornado 59
Wildfire 29
Winter Weather 84

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
90.1°F
Winter low
32.3°F
Heating degree days
2,959
Cooling degree days
1,717

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$108,300
Median HH income
$50,320
Price to income
2.2×
Property tax rate
0.89%
~$962/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
40
Homeownership
67.1%
Poverty rate
22.6%
Unemployment
5.5%

Connectivity

Broadband households
44%
No internet access
16.9%

Explore Greene 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.