Hunt & Live

Greenup County, KY

35,403 residents · 345 sq mi · 102.8/sq mi · 43% rural

Climate
54.8°F
42.8" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.67
Hardiness
Zone 8a
Winter low ~13.5°F

About Greenup County

Greenup County is a county located along the Ohio River in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 35,962. The county was founded in 1803 and named in honor of Christopher Greenup. Its county seat is Greenup.

Greenup County is part of the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Metropolitan Statistical Area.

38
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2332 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in Greenup County offers a mix of rural charm and moderate climate. With an annual mean temperature of 54.8°F and 42.8 inches of rainfall, the area supports a growing season suitable for various crops, classified under USDA zone 8a. Terrain features include proximity to the Ohio River, which can provide water resources, though the region's humidity indicates a need for careful water management in self-sufficient living. The population density of 102.8 people per square mile adds a level of remoteness while still providing access to community resources.

However, potential residents should consider the risks associated with this area. The FEMA hazards include a high likelihood of heat waves (rank 88) and landslides (rank 85), which could impact daily life and agriculture. The violence percentile at 62 suggests some safety concerns compared to other areas, and the disaster percentile at 52 indicates a moderate risk for natural disasters. While housing is relatively affordable with a median home price of $132,200, the overall economic conditions may not support everyone’s needs.

This county may suit those who value rural living and can manage the risks associated with natural hazards. Homesteaders with experience in agricultural resilience and disaster preparedness may thrive here, particularly those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Conversely, individuals who prioritize urban conveniences or have low tolerance for potential natural disasters may find Greenup County less appealing. The hidden gem for homesteaders could be the affordable housing market, while the dealbreaker might be the vulnerability to heat waves and landslides.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #2,273 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#89 of 120 in KY
Ranked #89 of 120 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: heat wave
FEMA ranks heat wave risk at 88/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 103/sqmi
Densely populated at 103 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 54.8°F annual mean and 42.8" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $132,200.

Score Breakdown

Violence
63
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
53
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
72
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
52.6
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Avalanche 20
Cold Wave 18
Drought 15
Earthquake 43
Hail 17
Hurricane 40
Heat Wave 88
Riverine Flood 68
Ice Storm 60
Landslide 85
Lightning 50
Strong Wind 50
Tornado 42
Wildfire 40
Winter Weather 47

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
86.5°F
Winter low
23.5°F
Heating degree days
4,734
Cooling degree days
1,041

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$132,200
Median HH income
$58,562
Price to income
2.3×
Property tax rate
0.93%
~$1,234/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
43.8
Homeownership
78.9%
Poverty rate
15.1%
Unemployment
6.2%

Connectivity

Broadband households
68.2%
No internet access
13.3%

Explore Greenup 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.