Currituck County, NC
31,015 residents · 262 sq mi · 118.4/sq mi · 96% rural
About Currituck County
Currituck County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the northeasternmost county in the state. As of the 2020 census, the population was 28,100. Its county seat is Currituck. The county was formed in 1668 as a precinct of Albemarle County and later gained county status in 1739. The name is "traditionally said to be an indigenous word for wild geese; Coratank." Currituck County is included in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake, VA-NC Combined Statistical Area. It is in the northeastern section of the state and is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Currituck Sound, Camden County, Dare County and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Currituck Court House, mentioned as early as 1755, was the name of the county seat. Today the words "Court House" have been dropped and only Currituck is used as the community name.
Prepper Assessment
This area features a humid climate with an annual mean temperature of 60.7°F and 48.8 inches of rainfall per year, making it suitable for a variety of crops within USDA zone 9a. The terrain is predominantly rural, with a population density of 118.4 people per square mile, allowing for some level of remoteness. The growing season is relatively long, facilitating year-round gardening, although the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean may introduce challenges like coastal flooding.
Natural hazards pose some risks in this region, with hurricanes ranked at FEMA level 81 being the most significant threat. Winter weather, lightning, and coastal flooding also present concerns, with respective FEMA rankings of 67, 58, and 58. While the area has a moderate violence percentile of 45, making it relatively safe, the median home price of $314,100 could be a barrier for some aspiring homesteaders, especially given the median household income of $82,793.
This county may appeal to those seeking a rural lifestyle with access to coastal resources, particularly for individuals who can manage the risks associated with hurricanes and flooding. It is less suitable for those who prefer a more temperate climate with fewer natural hazards. Homesteaders who prioritize self-sufficiency and can navigate the local economy may find hidden gems here, while those on tight budgets might struggle with the housing costs.