Hunt & Live

Montgomery County, MS

9,530 residents · 407 sq mi · 23.4/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
62.7°F
57.6" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.78
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~23.2°F

About Montgomery County

Montgomery County is a county located in the U.S. state of Mississippi. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 9,822. Its county seat is Winona.

53
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1342 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

This area features a rural landscape with a population density of 23.4 people per square mile, allowing for significant space and privacy. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 62.7°F and ample rainfall at 57.6 inches per year, creating a growing season suitable for various crops, particularly in USDA zone 9a. However, the heat can be intense in summer, with highs averaging 90.8°F. Water availability is generally good due to the humid classification, which supports self-sufficient living.

Natural hazards pose notable risks in this region, with earthquakes, hurricanes, and landslides being the primary concerns, ranking 57, 54, and 52 respectively in FEMA assessments. The county's violence percentile is high at 98, indicating potential safety issues, while the disaster percentile is low at 11, suggesting a lower overall risk of disasters. The cost of living is moderate, with median home prices around $97,100 and a median household income of $36,845, but broadband access is limited, with only 42% of households subscribed.

This county may be a good fit for individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with the ability to grow their own food. Those who thrive here will likely value space, privacy, and a slower pace of life. However, the high violence percentile and limited broadband access could be dealbreakers for some, particularly those who prioritize safety or require reliable internet for work or communication. Overall, it suits those comfortable with rural living and prepared for the associated risks.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,359 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#14 of 82 in MS
Ranked #14 of 82 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: earthquake
FEMA ranks earthquake risk at 57/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
23.4 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 62.7°F annual mean and 57.6" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $97,100.

Score Breakdown

Violence
99
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
11
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
32
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
10.9
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 35
Drought 48
Earthquake 57
Hail 45
Hurricane 54
Heat Wave 45
Riverine Flood 15
Ice Storm 36
Landslide 53
Lightning 35
Strong Wind 35
Tornado 45
Wildfire 28
Winter Weather 3

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
90.8°F
Winter low
33.2°F
Heating degree days
2,775
Cooling degree days
1,974

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$97,100
Median HH income
$36,845
Price to income
2.6×
Property tax rate
0.84%
~$817/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
42
Homeownership
66.6%
Poverty rate
24.2%
Unemployment
7.8%

Connectivity

Broadband households
42.3%
No internet access
24.9%

Explore Montgomery 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.