Hunt & Live

Caswell County, NC

22,614 residents · 425 sq mi · 53.2/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
58.6°F
45.8" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.61
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~18.4°F

About Caswell County

Caswell County is a county in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is located in the Piedmont Triad region, bordering Virginia. At the 2020 census, the population was 22,736. Its county seat is Yanceyville.

47
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1679 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural lifestyle with a population density of 53.2 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 58.6°F and 45.8 inches of rainfall, providing a humid environment suitable for diverse agricultural practices. The USDA zone 8b indicates a growing season that supports a variety of crops, although the region can experience seasonal extremes, with summer highs reaching 88.8°F and winter lows dropping to 28.4°F.

Natural hazards present some challenges in this area, with hurricanes and droughts ranked as notable risks by FEMA, at ranks 74 and 71 respectively. The violence percentile stands at 66, suggesting a moderate level of concern regarding safety. While the median home price is relatively affordable at $138,600, the cost of living may be influenced by limited broadband access, with only 49% of households subscribed, potentially impacting remote work or online business endeavors.

This county may be well-suited for individuals or families seeking a rural lifestyle with a focus on self-sufficiency, particularly those familiar with the risks of natural disasters. Homesteaders who thrive in a community with limited amenities and are prepared for potential climate-related challenges will find opportunities here. However, those reliant on high-speed internet or urban conveniences may find the area's limitations a dealbreaker.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,398 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#10 of 100 in NC
Ranked #10 of 100 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hurricane
FEMA ranks hurricane risk at 74/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
53.2 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 58.6°F annual mean and 45.8" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $138,600.

Score Breakdown

Violence
80
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
22
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
55
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
22.4
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 15
Drought 71
Earthquake 39
Hail 40
Hurricane 74
Heat Wave 37
Riverine Flood 38
Ice Storm 41
Landslide 48
Lightning 33
Strong Wind 28
Tornado 40
Wildfire 24
Winter Weather 43

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
88.8°F
Winter low
28.4°F
Heating degree days
3,689
Cooling degree days
1,374

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$138,600
Median HH income
$56,999
Price to income
2.4×
Property tax rate
0.69%
~$957/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
46.4
Homeownership
75.5%
Poverty rate
15.4%
Unemployment
5.9%

Connectivity

Broadband households
49.1%
No internet access
18.6%

Explore Caswell 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.