Hunt & Live

Daviess County, KY

103,222 residents · 458 sq mi · 225.2/sq mi · 26% rural

Climate
57.1°F
48.6" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.75
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~15.4°F

About Daviess County

Daviess County ( "Davis"), is a county in Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 103,312. Its county seat is Owensboro. The county was formed from part of Ohio County on January 14, 1815.

33
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2564 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a mix of rural and suburban environments, with a population density of 225.2 people per square mile. The climate is mild, with an annual mean temperature of 57.1°F and ample rainfall at 48.6 inches per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops. However, the USDA zone 8b indicates that gardeners may need to consider the risk of late frosts in spring. Water availability is generally good due to the humid classification, which can support self-sufficient living.

Natural hazards present notable risks, particularly earthquakes (ranked 96) and severe weather events such as ice storms and strong winds, which could disrupt homesteading efforts. The area's disaster percentile is high at 88, indicating a greater likelihood of experiencing significant natural events. Additionally, while the violence percentile is moderate at 48, the overall population density may lead to some concerns regarding safety in certain areas. The median home price of $171,100 is relatively affordable, but property tax rates at 0.89% could impact long-term financial planning.

This county may suit individuals or families seeking a balance of rural living with access to amenities, particularly those who can manage the risks associated with natural disasters. Homesteaders who thrive here will likely be prepared for weather-related challenges and have strategies in place for food production. However, those seeking a completely isolated or low-risk environment may find the area's natural hazards and population density to be dealbreakers.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #2,819 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#109 of 120 in KY
Ranked #109 of 120 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: earthquake
FEMA ranks earthquake risk at 96/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 225/sqmi
Densely populated at 225 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 57.1°F annual mean and 48.6" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $171,100.

Score Breakdown

Violence
29
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
88
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
83
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
88.1
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 68
Drought 71
Earthquake 96
Hail 91
Hurricane 35
Heat Wave 91
Riverine Flood 89
Ice Storm 96
Landslide 29
Lightning 70
Strong Wind 95
Tornado 89
Wildfire 18
Winter Weather 93

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
88.2°F
Winter low
25.4°F
Heating degree days
4,269
Cooling degree days
1,417

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$171,100
Median HH income
$64,021
Price to income
2.7×
Property tax rate
0.89%
~$1,516/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
38.7
Homeownership
67.9%
Poverty rate
14%
Unemployment
4.1%

Connectivity

Broadband households
69.9%
No internet access
9.9%

Explore Daviess 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.