Hunt & Live

Prince Edward County, VA

21,927 residents · 350 sq mi · 62.7/sq mi · 67% rural

Climate
57.2°F
45.6" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.67
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~17.2°F

About Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County is located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 21,849. Its county seat is Farmville.

46
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1789 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and a temperate climate, with an annual mean temperature of 57.2°F and 45.6 inches of rainfall. The growing season benefits from USDA zone 8b, allowing for a variety of crops. The terrain is predominantly rural, with a population density of 62.7 people per square mile, which provides a sense of remoteness while still being accessible. However, water availability may be a consideration due to the humid classification and the potential for drought.

While the area boasts a lower violence percentile of 32 and a disaster percentile of 32, indicating a generally safer environment, it does face notable natural hazards. Drought is ranked high at 98, and hurricanes (76) and earthquakes (65) are also risks. The median home price is $193,400, which may be reasonable for some, but cost-of-living factors should be assessed against median household income of $57,304. Limited broadband access at 47% may also impact those reliant on technology for work or communication.

This county could be a good fit for individuals or families looking for a rural lifestyle with a moderate climate who are prepared to manage the risks of drought and occasional hurricanes. Those interested in self-sufficient living with a focus on agriculture may thrive here, especially with the favorable growing conditions. However, individuals seeking a more urban environment or those who heavily depend on high-speed internet may find this area less suitable due to its rural nature and limited connectivity.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #997 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#30 of 133 in VA
Ranked #30 of 133 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: drought
FEMA ranks drought risk at 98/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
62.7 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 57.2°F annual mean and 45.6" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $193,400.

Score Breakdown

Violence
70
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
32
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
60
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
32.4
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 26
Drought 98
Earthquake 65
Hail 22
Hurricane 77
Heat Wave 36
Riverine Flood 25
Ice Storm 30
Landslide 42
Lightning 38
Strong Wind 30
Tornado 27
Wildfire 13
Winter Weather 34

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
87.5°F
Winter low
27.2°F
Heating degree days
4,037
Cooling degree days
1,202

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$193,400
Median HH income
$57,304
Price to income
3.4×
Property tax rate
0.46%
~$889/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
32
Homeownership
60.9%
Poverty rate
18.1%
Unemployment
2.4%

Connectivity

Broadband households
46.7%
No internet access
22.4%

Explore Prince Edward 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.