Hunt & Live

King William County, VA

18,492 residents · 274 sq mi · 67.5/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
58.3°F
46.5" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.63
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~17.2°F

About King William County

King William County is a county located in the U.S. state of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 17,810. Its county seat is King William. King William County is located in the Middle Peninsula and is included in the Greater Richmond Region.

53
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1289 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a mostly rural experience, with a population density of 67.5 people per square mile. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 58.3°F, with a growing season suitable for USDA zone 8b. The region receives an average of 46.5 inches of rain per year, providing ample water resources for self-sufficient living. However, the potential for drought, ranked 87th by FEMA, may limit agricultural viability during dry periods.

Natural hazards pose significant risks in this region, with drought and hurricanes being the most pressing concerns. The county's disaster percentile is low at 8/100, indicating a generally safe area in terms of natural disasters. However, the higher density percentile of 62/100 may lead to concerns about community resources and competition for services. The median home price of $252,200 may also be a barrier for some potential homesteaders.

This area may be a good fit for individuals or families seeking a quieter, rural lifestyle with access to moderate climate conditions. Those who thrive here are likely to have some experience with farming or self-sufficiency, as well as the financial means to invest in property. However, potential homesteaders should be cautious of the drought risk and ensure they have reliable water sources, as this could be a dealbreaker for those heavily reliant on agriculture.

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

Key Facts

Top 14% nationally
National prepper rank: #438 of 3,109.
#4 in VA
Top 5 counties in Virginia out of 133.
Dominant hazard: drought
FEMA ranks drought risk at 87/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
67.5 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 58.3°F annual mean and 46.5" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $252,200.

Score Breakdown

Violence
70
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
8
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
62
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
8.3
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Coastal Flood 51
Cold Wave 4
Drought 87
Earthquake 37
Hail 8
Hurricane 64
Heat Wave 26
Riverine Flood 14
Ice Storm 22
Landslide 32
Lightning 14
Strong Wind 13
Tornado 19
Wildfire 9
Winter Weather 9

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
89.3°F
Winter low
27.2°F
Heating degree days
3,809
Cooling degree days
1,411

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$252,200
Median HH income
$79,398
Price to income
3.2×
Property tax rate
0.67%
~$1,697/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
40.8
Homeownership
86.1%
Poverty rate
8%
Unemployment
4%

Connectivity

Broadband households
29.8%
No internet access
18.1%

Explore King William County Further

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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.