Hunt & Live

Cumberland County, VA

9,746 residents · 298 sq mi · 32.8/sq mi · 93% rural

Climate
57.3°F
45.2" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.64
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~16.4°F

About Cumberland County

Cumberland County is a quiet, rural United States county located near the geographic center of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The county's population is 9,675, as of the 2020 census, and the county seat is the small town of Cumberland.

56
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1093 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a rural lifestyle with a population density of 32.8 people per square mile, allowing for ample space and privacy. The climate is characterized by a mild annual mean temperature of 57.3°F, with sufficient rainfall at 45.2 inches per year, supporting a growing season suitable for diverse crops. The USDA zone 8b indicates potential for gardening and small-scale farming, though the humid climate may require careful management of water resources due to the aridity index of 1.64.

However, residents should be aware of several natural hazards, particularly drought, which ranks high at FEMA rank 96. Hurricanes and earthquakes also pose risks, with ranks of 73 and 60 respectively. The county's violence percentile at 75 suggests a moderate level of crime, which may be a concern for some. Additionally, while housing is relatively affordable with a median home price of $208,600, the broadband access at 38% indicates limited connectivity, potentially impacting remote work or online education.

This county may be suitable for individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural environment with opportunities for self-sufficiency and gardening. Those comfortable with a more isolated lifestyle and who can manage the risks associated with drought and hurricanes may thrive here. However, individuals needing robust internet access or those concerned about crime rates might find this area less appealing, making the limited broadband access a potential dealbreaker.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,246 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#39 of 133 in VA
Ranked #39 of 133 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: drought
FEMA ranks drought risk at 96/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
32.8 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 57.3°F annual mean and 45.2" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $208,600.

Score Breakdown

Violence
70
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
20
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
41
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
19.7
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 6
Drought 97
Earthquake 61
Hail 14
Hurricane 73
Heat Wave 22
Riverine Flood 17
Ice Storm 29
Landslide 28
Lightning 21
Strong Wind 18
Tornado 18
Wildfire 8
Winter Weather 14

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
88.5°F
Winter low
26.4°F
Heating degree days
4,014
Cooling degree days
1,249

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$208,600
Median HH income
$56,497
Price to income
3.7×
Property tax rate
0.64%
~$1,331/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
46.3
Homeownership
77.6%
Poverty rate
7.9%
Unemployment
3.2%

Connectivity

Broadband households
37.9%
No internet access
20%

Explore Cumberland 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.