Hunt & Live

Jones County, NC

9,233 residents · 471 sq mi · 19.6/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
62.1°F
55.2" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.76
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~22.9°F

About Jones County

Jones County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 9,172, making it the fourth-least populous county in North Carolina. Its county seat is Trenton. Jones County is part of the New Bern, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area.

43
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2018 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

This area offers a predominantly rural lifestyle with a low population density of 19.6 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 62.1°F and ample rainfall at 55.2 inches per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops, particularly in USDA zone 9a. The water classification indicates a humid environment, which is beneficial for self-sufficient living, though the humidity can also present challenges such as mold and pests.

Natural hazards are a significant consideration, with hurricanes ranked as the most pressing risk at FEMA rank 94, followed by winter weather (72) and wildfire (48). The violence percentile is at 62/100, suggesting moderate safety concerns compared to other areas. The cost of living is relatively affordable, with a median home price of $115,400 and a low effective property tax rate of 0.80%, but the broadband subscription rate of 54% may limit access to reliable internet for remote work or online learning.

This county may appeal to individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with a focus on agriculture and self-sufficiency. Those who thrive here are likely to be adaptable and prepared for the risks associated with hurricanes and seasonal weather challenges. However, individuals who require extensive internet connectivity or those uncomfortable with the potential for natural disasters may find this location less suitable.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,616 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#14 of 100 in NC
Ranked #14 of 100 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hurricane
FEMA ranks hurricane risk at 94/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
19.6 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 62.1°F annual mean and 55.2" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $115,400.

Score Breakdown

Violence
80
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
64
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
28
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
64.5
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Coastal Flood 33
Cold Wave 23
Drought 48
Earthquake 32
Hail 46
Hurricane 95
Heat Wave 41
Riverine Flood 29
Ice Storm 29
Landslide 10
Lightning 36
Strong Wind 40
Tornado 22
Wildfire 48
Winter Weather 72

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
89.5°F
Winter low
32.9°F
Heating degree days
2,774
Cooling degree days
1,726

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$115,400
Median HH income
$53,053
Price to income
2.2×
Property tax rate
0.8%
~$919/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
47.9
Homeownership
76%
Poverty rate
17.7%
Unemployment
4.8%

Connectivity

Broadband households
53.5%
No internet access
23.3%

Explore Jones 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.