Hunt & Live

Coahoma County, MS

20,197 residents · 553 sq mi · 36.5/sq mi · 33% rural

Climate
62.9°F
53.7" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.62
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~23.5°F

About Coahoma County

Coahoma County is a county located in the U.S. state of Mississippi. As of the 2020 census, the population was 21,390. Its county seat is Clarksdale. The Clarksdale, MS Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Coahoma County. It is located in the Mississippi Delta region of Mississippi. In 2023, the Clarksdale, Mississippi Micropolitan area was added to form the new Memphis-Clarksdale-Forrest City Combined Statistical Area. The Memphis-Clarksdale-Forrest City Combined Statistical Area has a population of roughly 1.4 million.

31
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2640 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a humid subtropical climate with an annual mean temperature of 62.9°F and 53.7 inches of rainfall per year, making it conducive for a growing season typical of USDA zone 9a. The terrain is primarily flat, characteristic of the Mississippi Delta, which can be advantageous for agriculture and livestock. However, the county's average population density of 36.5 people per square mile indicates a mix of rural and urban settings, which may affect access to resources and community support for self-sufficient living.

The county faces significant natural hazards, with notable risks including earthquakes (FEMA rank 91) and tornadoes (rank 87), which pose serious threats to safety and property. Additionally, the area has a high violence percentile of 99, indicating safety concerns that could impact daily life. While the median home price is relatively low at $84,400, the economic conditions reflected by a median household income of $36,075 may limit self-sustaining opportunities, particularly for those seeking to invest in homesteading.

This county may suit individuals or families with experience in managing risks and who are prepared for the challenges posed by natural hazards and economic constraints. Those who thrive here will likely be adaptable, resourceful, and focused on agriculture or small-scale farming. However, potential homesteaders who prioritize safety and stability might find the area's high violence rate and natural disaster risks to be significant dealbreakers.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #2,642 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#58 of 82 in MS
Ranked #58 of 82 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: earthquake
FEMA ranks earthquake risk at 91/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
36.5 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 62.9°F annual mean and 53.7" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $84,400.

Score Breakdown

Violence
100
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
62
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
44
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
62.5
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 49
Drought 80
Earthquake 91
Hail 64
Hurricane 60
Heat Wave 78
Riverine Flood 46
Ice Storm 42
Landslide 28
Lightning 47
Strong Wind 76
Tornado 87
Wildfire 11
Winter Weather 21

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
91.1°F
Winter low
33.5°F
Heating degree days
2,869
Cooling degree days
2,134

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$84,400
Median HH income
$36,075
Price to income
2.3×
Property tax rate
1.24%
~$1,049/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
35.7
Homeownership
53.4%
Poverty rate
37%
Unemployment
10.8%

Connectivity

Broadband households
27.7%
No internet access
25.2%

Explore Coahoma 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.