Hunt & Live

Camden County, MO

43,768 residents · 656 sq mi · 66.7/sq mi · 56% rural

Climate
56.3°F
42.9" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.58
Hardiness
Zone 8a
Winter low ~12.8°F

About Camden County

Camden County is a county located in the U.S. state of Missouri. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 42,745. Its county seat is Camdenton. The county was organized on January 29, 1841, as Kinderhook County and renamed Camden County in 1843 after Charles Pratt, 1st Earl Camden, Lord Chancellor of the United Kingdom and leader of the British Whig Party. Camden County is also the primary setting of the Netflix show Ozark.

24
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2824 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

This area features a mix of rural and suburban environments, with a population density of 66.7 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by a humid subtropical environment, with an annual mean temperature of 56.3°F and 42.9 inches of rainfall per year, supporting a growing season suitable for a variety of crops typical of USDA zone 8a. However, the terrain may present challenges, particularly with the notable risk of landslides and flooding in some regions, which could impact self-sufficient living.

Natural hazards pose significant risks in this area, with high FEMA rankings for landslides (96), ice storms (96), and riverine flooding (93). The violence percentile is at 62, indicating a higher risk compared to many other areas. The median home price of $248,700 may be a barrier for some, especially in a region with a median household income of $59,834, while the effective property tax rate of 0.53% is relatively low. Additionally, only 58% of households have broadband subscriptions, which may affect connectivity for those seeking remote work opportunities.

This county may appeal to individuals or families who are comfortable with rural living and prepared to manage the challenges posed by its natural hazards. Those with experience in agriculture and self-sufficiency practices could thrive here, particularly if they have the resources to invest in resilient infrastructure. However, individuals seeking a low-risk environment with strong community support and modern amenities may find this area less suitable for their needs.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #2,724 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#98 of 115 in MO
Ranked #98 of 115 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: landslide
FEMA ranks landslide risk at 96/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
66.7 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 56.3°F annual mean and 42.9" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $248,700.

Score Breakdown

Violence
77
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
89
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
62
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
88.4
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 79
Drought 32
Earthquake 79
Hail 78
Hurricane 41
Heat Wave 92
Riverine Flood 93
Ice Storm 96
Landslide 96
Lightning 73
Strong Wind 58
Tornado 84
Wildfire 82
Winter Weather 91

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
88.9°F
Winter low
22.8°F
Heating degree days
4,519
Cooling degree days
1,376

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$248,700
Median HH income
$59,834
Price to income
4.2×
Property tax rate
0.53%
~$1,321/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
52.6
Homeownership
81.9%
Poverty rate
13.5%
Unemployment
5.2%

Connectivity

Broadband households
57.5%
No internet access
14.9%

Explore Camden 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.