Hunt & Live

Edmonson County, KY

12,269 residents · 303 sq mi · 40.5/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
57.5°F
53.2" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.91
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~16.3°F

About Edmonson County

Edmonson County is a county located in the south central portion of the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 12,126. Its county seat and only municipality is Brownsville. The county was formed in 1825 and named for Captain John "Jack" Edmonson (1764–1813), who was killed at the Battle of Frenchtown during the War of 1812. This is a dry county where the sale of alcohol is prohibited. Edmonson County is included in the Bowling Green metropolitan area.

60
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #909 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in Edmonson County offers a predominantly rural lifestyle with a population density of 40.5 people per square mile, allowing for ample space and privacy. The climate is characterized by a mild annual mean temperature of 57.5°F and significant rainfall at 53.2 inches per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 8b. However, the area’s humid conditions may require careful water management and soil maintenance for sustainable self-sufficient living.

Edmonson County does face notable natural hazards, including a high risk for hail (FEMA rank 78) and a moderate risk for tornadoes (rank 41) and ice storms (rank 50). While the area is relatively safe from violence, ranking in the 69th percentile, the economic landscape could be challenging with a median household income of $53,029 and a median home price of $116,000. Additionally, only 60% of households have broadband access, which may hinder connectivity for remote work or online learning.

This county may appeal to those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with opportunities for agriculture and self-sufficiency, particularly for individuals comfortable with the risks associated with natural disasters. However, those reliant on high-speed internet or urban amenities may find the area limiting. Homesteaders should be prepared for the potential hazards and be resourceful in managing the local climate and economic conditions, as these could be significant dealbreakers for some.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,070 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#18 of 120 in KY
Ranked #18 of 120 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hail
FEMA ranks hail risk at 78/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
40.5 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 57.5°F annual mean and 53.2" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $116,000.

Score Breakdown

Violence
63
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
11
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
47
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
11
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 21
Drought 26
Earthquake 43
Hail 78
Hurricane 16
Heat Wave 29
Riverine Flood 19
Ice Storm 50
Landslide 40
Lightning 20
Strong Wind 38
Tornado 41
Wildfire 4
Winter Weather 18

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
89°F
Winter low
26.3°F
Heating degree days
4,100
Cooling degree days
1,409

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$116,000
Median HH income
$53,029
Price to income
2.2×
Property tax rate
0.68%
~$794/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
45
Homeownership
83.2%
Poverty rate
17%
Unemployment
6.8%

Connectivity

Broadband households
59.5%
No internet access
15.7%

Explore Edmonson 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.