Hunt & Live

Wilcox County, AL

10,059 residents · 888 sq mi · 11.3/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
65.2°F
54.4" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.56
Hardiness
Zone 9b
Winter low ~26.6°F

About Wilcox County

Wilcox County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 10,600. Its county seat is Camden.

48
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1628 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural lifestyle with a low population density of 11.3 people per square mile, allowing for ample space and privacy. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 65.2°F and 54.4 inches of rainfall per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops. The USDA zone 9b designation indicates that gardeners can grow a wide range of plants, but the humid conditions may require attention to water management and pest control.

Natural hazards present significant risks, with hurricanes ranked 76 and tornadoes at 54, both of which could pose challenges for safety and property. The area also has a high violence percentile of 100/100, indicating potential concerns for personal safety. While the median home price is relatively low at $83,200, the economy may be limited, reflected in the median household income of $38,208 and a broadband subscription rate of only 29%, which could impact remote work options.

This county may suit those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with a focus on self-sufficiency and gardening, particularly for individuals comfortable with the risks associated with severe weather and personal safety. However, it may not be ideal for families or individuals who prioritize access to modern amenities and safety from violence. The low property tax rate and affordable housing could be a hidden gem for budget-conscious homesteaders, but the high natural hazard risk is a potential dealbreaker for many.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,671 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#15 of 67 in AL
Ranked #15 of 67 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hurricane
FEMA ranks hurricane risk at 76/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
11.3 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 65.2°F annual mean and 54.4" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $83,200.

Score Breakdown

Violence
100
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
37
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
19
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
36.7
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 38
Drought 36
Earthquake 51
Hail 15
Hurricane 76
Heat Wave 45
Riverine Flood 53
Ice Storm 18
Landslide 57
Lightning 51
Strong Wind 24
Tornado 54
Wildfire 46
Winter Weather 4

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
91.6°F
Winter low
36.6°F
Heating degree days
2,166
Cooling degree days
2,266

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$83,200
Median HH income
$38,208
Price to income
2.2×
Property tax rate
0.32%
~$267/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
41.1
Homeownership
79.5%
Poverty rate
26.8%
Unemployment
10.7%

Connectivity

Broadband households
28.8%
No internet access
24.5%

Explore Wilcox 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.