Hunt & Live

Perry County, OH

35,480 residents · 408 sq mi · 87.0/sq mi · 81% rural

Climate
51.9°F
42.7" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.81
Hardiness
Zone 8a
Winter low ~10.6°F

About Perry County

Perry is a village in Lake County, Ohio, United States. The population was 1,602 at the 2020 census.

60
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #915 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and access to natural resources, with 80% of the land being rural. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 51.9°F, a humid environment with 42.7 inches of rainfall per year, and a USDA growing zone of 8a, allowing for a decent growing season. The terrain may be suitable for self-sufficient living, but the potential for landslides could limit certain activities.

Risks include a FEMA landslide hazard ranked at 80, which poses a significant concern for land stability. Additionally, the area faces ice storms and droughts, with respective rankings of 67 and 65. While the population density is relatively low at 87.0 people per square mile, the violence percentile at 41 suggests a moderate safety level. The median home price of $161,300 may be a barrier for some, given the local median household income of $62,899.

This county may appeal to those seeking a rural lifestyle with a moderate climate and access to natural resources. Individuals who can manage the risks associated with landslides and extreme weather may thrive here. However, those looking for urban amenities or high-speed internet access—only available to 52% of households—might find this area less suitable for their needs.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,225 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#29 of 88 in OH
Ranked #29 of 88 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: landslide
FEMA ranks landslide risk at 80/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
87.0 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 51.9°F annual mean and 42.7" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $161,300.

Score Breakdown

Violence
27
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
26
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
68
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
26
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 11
Drought 65
Earthquake 36
Hail 49
Hurricane 19
Heat Wave 47
Riverine Flood 47
Ice Storm 67
Landslide 80
Lightning 63
Strong Wind 24
Tornado 32
Wildfire 18
Winter Weather 36

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
83.8°F
Winter low
20.6°F
Heating degree days
5,497
Cooling degree days
758

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$161,300
Median HH income
$62,899
Price to income
2.6×
Property tax rate
0.95%
~$1,534/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
41.1
Homeownership
75.7%
Poverty rate
15.3%
Unemployment
4.9%

Connectivity

Broadband households
52%
No internet access
14.9%

Explore Perry 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.