Hunt & Live

Perry County, MO

18,858 residents · 474 sq mi · 39.8/sq mi · 58% rural

Climate
56.2°F
46" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.7
Hardiness
Zone 8a
Winter low ~13.8°F

About Perry County

Perry County is a county located in the southeastern portion of the U.S. state of Missouri. As of the 2020 census, the population was 18,956. Its county seat is Perryville. The county was officially organized on November 16, 1820 from Ste. Genevieve County and was named after Oliver Hazard Perry, a naval hero of the War of 1812.

43
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1975 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

This area features a mix of rural and semi-urban environments, with a population density of 39.8 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 56.2°F and an average annual rainfall of 46 inches, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 8a. The humid conditions and adequate rainfall can be advantageous for self-sufficient living, although the summer highs can reach up to 88.4°F, which may require careful planning for heat management.

Natural hazards in the area include strong winds, earthquakes, and heat waves, with FEMA rankings of 94, 88, and 73 respectively, indicating a higher risk for these events. The county has a moderate cost of living, with a median home price of $179,900 and a property tax rate of 0.74%, which may be appealing. However, the violence percentile of 20 suggests lower safety compared to other areas, and the relatively low broadband subscription rate of 48% could limit access to online resources.

Perry County may be suitable for those seeking a rural lifestyle with moderate living costs and a strong connection to nature. Homesteaders who are prepared for the risks associated with natural disasters and can manage the challenges of limited internet access may thrive here. However, those who prioritize urban amenities, high-speed internet, or a greater sense of security might find this location less appealing.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #788 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#16 of 115 in MO
Ranked #16 of 115 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: strong wind
FEMA ranks strong wind risk at 94/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
39.8 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 56.2°F annual mean and 46.0" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $179,900.

Score Breakdown

Violence
77
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
46
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
47
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
46.2
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 56
Drought 37
Earthquake 88
Hail 46
Hurricane 36
Heat Wave 73
Riverine Flood 32
Ice Storm 65
Landslide 64
Lightning 31
Strong Wind 94
Tornado 58
Wildfire 17
Winter Weather 60

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
88.4°F
Winter low
23.8°F
Heating degree days
4,540
Cooling degree days
1,365

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$179,900
Median HH income
$61,486
Price to income
2.9×
Property tax rate
0.74%
~$1,332/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
41.4
Homeownership
77.7%
Poverty rate
11.3%
Unemployment
5.1%

Connectivity

Broadband households
48.3%
No internet access
14.6%

Explore Perry 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.