Hunt & Live

Pasquotank County, NC

40,938 residents · 227 sq mi · 180.4/sq mi · 45% rural

Climate
60.7°F
49.6" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.64
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~21.8°F

About Pasquotank County

Pasquotank County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 40,568. Its county seat is Elizabeth City. Pasquotank County is part of the Elizabeth City, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake, VA-NC Combined Statistical Area.

25
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2807 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a temperate climate with an annual mean temperature of 60.7°F and ample rainfall at 49.6 inches per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops. The USDA zone 9a indicates potential for a diverse garden. However, the county's relatively high population density of 180.4 people per square mile may limit the sense of remoteness desired by some homesteaders. Water availability is generally good, but the humid classification suggests careful management of water resources during dry spells.

The county faces several natural hazards, with hurricanes ranked as the most significant risk at FEMA rank 91, followed by winter weather and lightning. The area's violence percentile is 64, indicating a higher-than-average risk of violent incidents, which may be a concern for some residents. The median home price of $201,500 is relatively affordable, but potential homesteaders should consider the effective property tax rate of 0.75% when budgeting for long-term living costs.

This county may be a good fit for those who prioritize a moderate climate and are comfortable with a higher population density. Gardeners and small-scale farmers could thrive here, provided they are prepared for the hurricane season and other weather-related challenges. However, individuals seeking extreme remoteness or those who are particularly risk-averse regarding safety concerns may find this area less suitable for their needs.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #2,605 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#62 of 100 in NC
Ranked #62 of 100 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hurricane
FEMA ranks hurricane risk at 91/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 180/sqmi
Densely populated at 180 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 60.7°F annual mean and 49.6" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $201,500.

Score Breakdown

Violence
86
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
59
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
81
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
58.7
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Coastal Flood 63
Cold Wave 34
Drought 30
Earthquake 42
Hail 32
Hurricane 91
Heat Wave 61
Riverine Flood 48
Ice Storm 41
Landslide 5
Lightning 64
Strong Wind 52
Tornado 45
Wildfire 45
Winter Weather 86

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
88.2°F
Winter low
31.8°F
Heating degree days
3,143
Cooling degree days
1,597

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$201,500
Median HH income
$61,411
Price to income
3.3×
Property tax rate
0.75%
~$1,502/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
39
Homeownership
64.2%
Poverty rate
11.6%
Unemployment
5.6%

Connectivity

Broadband households
72.9%
No internet access
9.2%

Explore Pasquotank 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.