Hunt & Live

Campbell County, VA

55,141 residents · 503 sq mi · 109.6/sq mi · 57% rural

Climate
56.4°F
44.8" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.68
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~16.5°F

About Campbell County

Campbell County is a United States county situated in the south central part of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Located in the Piedmont region of Virginia, Campbell borders the Blue Ridge Mountains. At the 2020 census, the county population was 55,696. The number of residents has grown steadily in every census after 1930, and the total population has more than doubled since that time. The county seat is Rustburg.

52
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1392 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area features a mix of rural charm and accessibility, with a population density of 109.6 people per square mile, making it relatively populated for a rural region. The climate is classified as humid, with an annual mean temperature of 56.4°F and an average of 44.8 inches of rainfall per year. The growing season benefits from USDA zone 8b, allowing for a variety of crops, although the potential for summer highs of 86.5°F and winter lows of 26.5°F should be considered when planning for self-sufficiency.

Natural hazards in the region include lightning (FEMA rank 77), hurricanes (rank 72), and strong winds (rank 62), which could pose risks to infrastructure and safety. The area’s violence percentile is relatively low at 36, indicating a safer environment compared to many other regions. However, the cost of living is moderate, with a median home price of $183,100, which may be a consideration for those looking to establish a homestead.

This county could be a good fit for individuals or families seeking a balance of rural living with access to community amenities. Those who thrive here will likely appreciate the moderate climate and the potential for agricultural pursuits. However, individuals looking for extreme remoteness or those with significant concerns about natural hazards may find the area less suitable. The hidden gem is the relatively low property tax rate of 0.48%, which can benefit long-term residents.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,364 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#47 of 133 in VA
Ranked #47 of 133 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: lightning
FEMA ranks lightning risk at 77/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 110/sqmi
Densely populated at 110 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 56.4°F annual mean and 44.8" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $183,100.

Score Breakdown

Violence
40
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
32
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
73
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
32
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 12
Drought 54
Earthquake 61
Hail 29
Hurricane 72
Heat Wave 41
Riverine Flood 50
Ice Storm 44
Landslide 58
Lightning 77
Strong Wind 62
Tornado 23
Wildfire 43
Winter Weather 59

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
86.5°F
Winter low
26.5°F
Heating degree days
4,200
Cooling degree days
1,099

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$183,100
Median HH income
$59,022
Price to income
3.1×
Property tax rate
0.48%
~$873/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
43.1
Homeownership
74.1%
Poverty rate
10%
Unemployment
4.9%

Connectivity

Broadband households
56%
No internet access
13.9%

Explore Campbell 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.