Hunt & Live

Carroll County, MS

9,731 residents · 628 sq mi · 15.5/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
63.4°F
56.6" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.7
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~24.2°F

About Carroll County

Carroll County is a county in the U.S. state of Mississippi. As of the 2020 census, the population was 9,998. Its county seats are Carrollton and Vaiden. The county is named for Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the last surviving signatory of the Declaration of Independence.

53
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1346 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural environment with a low population density of 15.5 people per square mile. The climate is temperate, with an annual mean temperature of 63.4°F and ample rainfall at 56.6 inches per year, which supports a growing season suitable for various crops. The USDA zone 9a classification indicates potential for gardening and fruit cultivation, though the humid conditions may require attention to water management and soil health.

Natural hazards pose notable risks, with strong winds (FEMA rank 83) and landslides (rank 74) being the most significant concerns. The county also faces drought (rank 68) and hail (rank 64), which could impact agricultural efforts. Additionally, the area has a high violence percentile of 96, indicating potential safety concerns, while the cost of living remains relatively low, with a median home price of $103,700 and a property tax rate of 0.61%.

This county may appeal to self-sufficient individuals who prioritize rural living and can manage the risks associated with natural hazards. Those who thrive here will be adaptable and resourceful, particularly in agricultural practices. However, individuals seeking urban amenities, high-speed internet (only 40% broadband subscription), or lower crime rates may find this location less suitable for their needs.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,387 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#17 of 82 in MS
Ranked #17 of 82 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: strong wind
FEMA ranks strong wind risk at 83/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
15.5 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 63.4°F annual mean and 56.6" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $103,700.

Score Breakdown

Violence
95
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
23
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
24
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
23.3
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 41
Drought 68
Earthquake 62
Hail 65
Hurricane 59
Heat Wave 52
Riverine Flood 20
Ice Storm 42
Landslide 74
Lightning 40
Strong Wind 83
Tornado 47
Wildfire 47
Winter Weather 4

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
91.1°F
Winter low
34.2°F
Heating degree days
2,645
Cooling degree days
2,094

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$103,700
Median HH income
$42,285
Price to income
2.5×
Property tax rate
0.61%
~$637/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
45.5
Homeownership
82.3%
Poverty rate
21.8%
Unemployment
6%

Connectivity

Broadband households
39.6%
No internet access
35.3%

Explore Carroll 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.