Hunt & Live

Casey County, KY

15,920 residents · 444 sq mi · 35.8/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
55.6°F
52.4" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 2
Hardiness
Zone 8a
Winter low ~14.8°F

About Casey County

Casey County is a county located in the U.S. Commonwealth of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 15,941. Its county seat is Liberty. The county was formed in 1806 from the western part of Lincoln County and named for Colonel William Casey, a pioneer settler who moved his family to Kentucky in 1779. It is the only Kentucky county entirely in the Knobs region. Casey County is home to annual Casey County Apple Festival. It is considered part of the Appalachian region of Kentucky.

53
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1353 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

This area features a predominantly rural landscape with a population density of 35.8 people per square mile, allowing for ample space and privacy. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 55.6°F and 52.4 inches of rainfall, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 8a. The humid conditions and water availability can benefit self-sufficient living, although the terrain of the Knobs region may present some challenges for large-scale agriculture.

While the county has a relatively low population density, it does face notable natural hazards, including winter weather (FEMA rank 66) and tornadoes (rank 61). The violence percentile stands at 67/100, suggesting a moderate level of safety concerns. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home price of $124,300, but only 51% of households have broadband, which may limit access to information and resources for some residents.

This county may suit individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with a focus on self-sufficiency and agriculture. Those who thrive here are likely to be adaptable and prepared for the region’s weather challenges. However, individuals reliant on high-speed internet or seeking urban amenities may find this area less suitable, as the limited broadband access could be a dealbreaker for some homesteaders.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,471 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#36 of 120 in KY
Ranked #36 of 120 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: winter weather
FEMA ranks winter weather risk at 66/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
35.8 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 55.6°F annual mean and 52.4" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $124,300.

Score Breakdown

Violence
63
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
37
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
43
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
37.1
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 60
Drought 34
Earthquake 55
Hail 63
Hurricane 45
Heat Wave 29
Riverine Flood 49
Ice Storm 43
Landslide 57
Lightning 45
Strong Wind 60
Tornado 61
Wildfire 18
Winter Weather 67

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
85.7°F
Winter low
24.8°F
Heating degree days
4,514
Cooling degree days
1,099

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$124,300
Median HH income
$42,190
Price to income
2.9×
Property tax rate
0.6%
~$747/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
41.9
Homeownership
75.8%
Poverty rate
26.1%
Unemployment
10.4%

Connectivity

Broadband households
51%
No internet access
20.1%

Explore Casey 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.