Hunt & Live

Butler County, KY

12,295 residents · 426 sq mi · 28.9/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
57.7°F
52" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.85
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~16.7°F

About Butler County

Butler County is a county located in the US state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 12,371. Its county seat is Morgantown. The county was formed in 1810, becoming Kentucky's 53rd county. Butler County is included in the Bowling Green, Kentucky metropolitan area.

61
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #864 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 28.9 people per square mile, which supports a sense of remoteness. The climate is temperate, with an annual mean temperature of 57.7°F and ample rainfall at 52 inches per year, making it suitable for a variety of crops in USDA zone 8b. The growing season is relatively long, allowing for diverse agricultural opportunities, although the humid conditions may pose challenges for some crops.

However, residents should be aware of the natural hazards present, including a high risk of hail (FEMA rank 81) and ice storms (rank 66). The area experiences a moderate risk of tornadoes (rank 46) and strong winds (rank 48), which could impact homesteading efforts. The median home price is $102,200, which is relatively affordable, but only 39% of households have broadband access, potentially limiting connectivity for those reliant on the internet for work or resources.

This county may appeal to self-sufficient individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with affordable housing. Those who thrive here will likely be adaptable and prepared for occasional severe weather. However, individuals dependent on high-speed internet or those uncomfortable with the potential for natural disasters may find this area less suitable. The affordability of property is a hidden gem for those looking to establish a homestead.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,363 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#32 of 120 in KY
Ranked #32 of 120 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hail
FEMA ranks hail risk at 81/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
28.9 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 57.7°F annual mean and 52.0" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $102,200.

Score Breakdown

Violence
63
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
18
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
37
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
18.1
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 22
Drought 31
Earthquake 67
Hail 81
Hurricane 20
Heat Wave 38
Riverine Flood 24
Ice Storm 66
Landslide 44
Lightning 23
Strong Wind 48
Tornado 46
Wildfire 5
Winter Weather 25

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
88.9°F
Winter low
26.7°F
Heating degree days
4,066
Cooling degree days
1,452

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$102,200
Median HH income
$47,589
Price to income
2.1×
Property tax rate
0.6%
~$615/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
41.4
Homeownership
72.2%
Poverty rate
19.8%
Unemployment
5.4%

Connectivity

Broadband households
38.7%
No internet access
23.8%

Explore Butler 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.