Hunt & Live

Page County, VA

23,750 residents · 310 sq mi · 76.6/sq mi · 80% rural

Climate
53.1°F
43.7" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.8
Hardiness
Zone 8a
Winter low ~13.1°F

About Page County

Page County is located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 23,709. Its county seat is Luray. Page County was formed in 1831 from Shenandoah and Rockingham counties and was named for John Page, Governor of Virginia from 1802 to 1805.

42
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2046 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

This area features a mix of rural terrain and a mild climate, with an annual mean temperature of 53.1°F and an average of 43.7 inches of rainfall per year. The growing season is suitable for a variety of crops, falling within USDA zone 8a, allowing for gardening from spring through fall. The county's 80% rural composition provides ample space for self-sufficient living, though access to water sources and fertile land should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Natural hazards pose some risks, particularly from hurricanes (FEMA rank 77) and landslides (rank 76). The area also faces drought (rank 65) and strong winds (rank 58), which could impact agricultural efforts. While the population density is moderate at 76.6 people per square mile, the violence percentile of 42 suggests a relatively safe environment. However, potential homesteaders should consider the median home price of $198,000 and the effective property tax rate of 0.73% when budgeting for relocation.

This county may appeal to those seeking a rural lifestyle with access to fertile land and a moderate climate. Individuals who thrive in remote settings and are prepared to face some natural hazards may find it suitable. However, those looking for a low-cost living or extensive broadband access might be disappointed, as only 55% of households have subscriptions. The main dealbreaker for homesteaders could be the potential for hurricane impact, which necessitates careful planning.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,440 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#53 of 133 in VA
Ranked #53 of 133 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hurricane
FEMA ranks hurricane risk at 77/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
76.6 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 53.1°F annual mean and 43.7" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $198,000.

Score Breakdown

Violence
70
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
38
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
65
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
37.9
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Avalanche 62
Cold Wave 29
Drought 65
Earthquake 43
Hail 38
Hurricane 77
Heat Wave 35
Riverine Flood 57
Ice Storm 16
Landslide 76
Lightning 36
Strong Wind 58
Tornado 19
Wildfire 53
Winter Weather 32

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
84.2°F
Winter low
23.1°F
Heating degree days
5,030
Cooling degree days
729

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$198,000
Median HH income
$56,760
Price to income
3.5×
Property tax rate
0.73%
~$1,450/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
45.3
Homeownership
71.7%
Poverty rate
10%
Unemployment
4.6%

Connectivity

Broadband households
54.6%
No internet access
21%

Explore Page 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.