Hunt & Live

Pendleton County, KY

14,676 residents · 277 sq mi · 53.0/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
55°F
46.3" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.79
Hardiness
Zone 8a
Winter low ~13.7°F

About Pendleton County

Pendleton County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 14,644. Its county seat is Falmouth. The county was founded December 13, 1798.

Pendleton County is included in the Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN Metropolitan Statistical Area.

51
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1451 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 53.0 people per square mile. The climate features a mild annual mean temperature of 55.0°F and a USDA growing zone of 8a, supporting a relatively long growing season. With 46.3 inches of rainfall annually, water availability is decent for self-sufficient farming. However, the region's humidity and potential for strong storms may require careful planning for crops and livestock management.

Natural hazards include lightning, strong winds, and tornadoes, with FEMA risk ranks indicating notable threats. The area's disaster percentile is 30, suggesting a moderate risk profile, while the violence percentile at 34 indicates a lower safety concern compared to many areas. The median home price of $152,000 is relatively affordable, though the 51% broadband subscription rate may limit access to online resources for homesteading education or business.

This county may suit individuals or families seeking a rural lifestyle with manageable risks and a supportive growing climate. Those experienced in farming and willing to adapt to local hazards could thrive here. However, newcomers unaccustomed to rural living or those reliant on high-speed internet for work may find challenges. The county's affordability is a hidden gem, but the potential for severe weather could be a dealbreaker for some.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #912 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#8 of 120 in KY
Ranked #8 of 120 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: lightning
FEMA ranks lightning risk at 71/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
53.0 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 55.0°F annual mean and 46.3" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $152,000.

Score Breakdown

Violence
63
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
30
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
55
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
29.9
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 29
Drought 18
Earthquake 31
Hail 8
Hurricane 8
Heat Wave 35
Riverine Flood 49
Ice Storm 31
Landslide 58
Lightning 71
Strong Wind 59
Tornado 52
Wildfire 6
Winter Weather 18

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
86.5°F
Winter low
23.7°F
Heating degree days
4,747
Cooling degree days
1,126

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$152,000
Median HH income
$58,723
Price to income
2.6×
Property tax rate
0.81%
~$1,226/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
41.7
Homeownership
73.6%
Poverty rate
17.8%
Unemployment
5%

Connectivity

Broadband households
51.2%
No internet access
21.4%

Explore Pendleton 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.