Hunt & Live

Lincoln County, WV

19,901 residents · 437 sq mi · 45.5/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
56°F
47" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.77
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~15.4°F

About Lincoln County

Lincoln County is a county in the U.S. state of West Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 20,463. Its county seat is Hamlin. The county was created in 1867 and named for Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln County is part of the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Metropolitan Statistical Area.

42
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2090 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural lifestyle with a population density of 45.5 people per square mile, which supports a sense of remoteness. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 56.0°F and receives about 47 inches of rain per year, allowing for a growing season suitable for diverse crops, particularly in USDA zone 8b. Water availability is generally good, given the humid classification, but the terrain may present challenges for certain agricultural practices due to the risk of landslides.

The county faces several natural hazards, with landslide risk ranked at 94, indicating a significant concern for property and safety. Riverine flooding (79) and heat waves (73) also pose threats, particularly during extreme weather events. The violence percentile at 72 suggests that safety concerns may arise, though the overall density is moderate. The median home price of $94,500 is relatively affordable, but the cost of living may be impacted by limited access to broadband, which is available in 64% of households.

This area may be a good fit for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with opportunities for self-sufficiency, particularly individuals experienced in managing agricultural risks. However, it may not suit newcomers unfamiliar with the challenges posed by natural hazards or those reliant on high-speed internet for work. The hidden gem here could be the affordability of housing, while the dealbreaker for many might be the significant landslide and flooding risks that require careful consideration.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #2,170 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#36 of 55 in WV
Ranked #36 of 55 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: landslide
FEMA ranks landslide risk at 94/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
45.5 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 56.0°F annual mean and 47.0" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $94,500.

Score Breakdown

Violence
65
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
60
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
50
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
59.7
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Avalanche 33
Cold Wave 31
Drought 24
Earthquake 37
Hail 22
Hurricane 47
Heat Wave 73
Riverine Flood 79
Ice Storm 51
Landslide 94
Lightning 32
Strong Wind 23
Tornado 12
Wildfire 72
Winter Weather 40

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
86.8°F
Winter low
25.4°F
Heating degree days
4,409
Cooling degree days
1,149

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$94,500
Median HH income
$50,985
Price to income
1.9×
Property tax rate
0.53%
~$499/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
43.7
Homeownership
77.9%
Poverty rate
19.2%
Unemployment
5.9%

Connectivity

Broadband households
63.9%
No internet access
15.5%

Explore Lincoln 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.