Hunt & Live

Macon County, NC

38,065 residents · 516 sq mi · 73.8/sq mi · 75% rural

Climate
53.7°F
65.5" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 2.68
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~15.7°F

About Macon County

Macon County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 37,014. Its county seat is Franklin.

43
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1978 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and natural beauty, with a population density of 73.8 people per square mile. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 53.7°F and receives an average of 65.5 inches of rain per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 8b. However, the terrain may present challenges for farming and self-sufficiency, particularly with the high risk of landslides and other natural hazards.

The county faces notable risks, including a FEMA ranking of 100 for landslide hazards and a cold wave risk at 93, which could impact agricultural activities and overall safety. Additionally, the area has a higher violence percentile at 83, suggesting potential safety concerns in certain regions. The median home price is $210,900, which may be a barrier for some looking to relocate, along with a relatively lower broadband subscription rate at 58% of households.

This location may suit individuals or families who are experienced in rural living and can handle the risks associated with natural hazards. Those seeking a quiet, rural environment with a supportive community might thrive here, particularly if they have the skills to navigate potential challenges. However, individuals unfamiliar with rural life or those requiring reliable internet access for work may find this area less accommodating.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #2,832 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#80 of 100 in NC
Ranked #80 of 100 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: landslide
FEMA ranks landslide risk at 100/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
73.8 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 53.7°F annual mean and 65.5" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $210,900.

Score Breakdown

Violence
32
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
74
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
64
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
73.8
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 93
Drought 33
Earthquake 70
Hail 47
Hurricane 66
Riverine Flood 71
Ice Storm 73
Landslide 100
Lightning 75
Strong Wind 51
Tornado 61
Wildfire 59
Winter Weather 34

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
80.9°F
Winter low
25.7°F
Heating degree days
4,619
Cooling degree days
516

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$210,900
Median HH income
$51,042
Price to income
4.1×
Property tax rate
0.44%
~$932/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
50.6
Homeownership
73.8%
Poverty rate
15.4%
Unemployment
3.5%

Connectivity

Broadband households
57.9%
No internet access
18.9%

Explore Macon 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.