Hunt & Live

Bracken County, KY

8,452 residents · 203 sq mi · 41.7/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
54.6°F
46.8" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.83
Hardiness
Zone 8a
Winter low ~13.3°F

About Bracken County

Bracken County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 8,400. Its county seat is Brooksville. The county was formed in 1796.

Bracken County is included in the Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN Metropolitan Statistical Area.

59
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #934 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in Bracken County offers a predominantly rural lifestyle with a population density of 41.7 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by a humid subtropical environment, with an annual mean temperature of 54.6°F and 46.8 inches of rainfall per year, providing a suitable growing season for many crops. However, the region's terrain may present challenges for large-scale farming due to potential landslide risks, as noted in the FEMA data. The USDA zone 8a allows for diverse plant growth, making self-sufficient living feasible.

Bracken County faces several natural hazards, including strong winds ranked at 77 and a notable risk of landslides at rank 50. While the area has a relatively low disaster percentile of 12, indicating fewer severe disaster occurrences, the potential for tornadoes and lightning should be considered. The violence percentile is high at 90, suggesting that safety concerns may arise. The median home price of $115,100 remains affordable, but the effectiveness of broadband access at only 54% could limit remote work opportunities.

This county may be a good fit for individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with access to agricultural opportunities. Those who thrive here are likely to be self-sufficient and prepared for occasional natural hazards. However, individuals reliant on high-speed internet for work or those seeking bustling urban amenities may find this area lacking. The potential for strong winds and landslides could be dealbreakers for some, while the affordable housing may be a hidden gem for others.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,548 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#46 of 120 in KY
Ranked #46 of 120 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: strong wind
FEMA ranks strong wind risk at 77/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
41.7 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 54.6°F annual mean and 46.8" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $115,100.

Score Breakdown

Violence
63
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
12
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
48
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
12
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 16
Drought 18
Earthquake 27
Hail 6
Hurricane 8
Heat Wave 24
Riverine Flood 26
Ice Storm 19
Landslide 50
Lightning 35
Strong Wind 77
Tornado 32
Wildfire 2
Winter Weather 17

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
86.3°F
Winter low
23.3°F
Heating degree days
4,818
Cooling degree days
1,063

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$115,100
Median HH income
$59,911
Price to income
1.9×
Property tax rate
0.93%
~$1,069/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
41.7
Homeownership
80.5%
Poverty rate
17%
Unemployment
6.2%

Connectivity

Broadband households
53.5%
No internet access
14.5%

Explore Bracken 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.