Hunt & Live

New Kent County, VA

24,986 residents · 210 sq mi · 119.0/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
58.9°F
47.6" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.64
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~18.3°F

About New Kent County

New Kent County is a county in the southeastern part of the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 United States census, its population was 22,945. Its county seat is New Kent.

47
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1712 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a rural lifestyle characterized by a population density of 119 people per square mile, providing ample space for self-sufficient living. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 58.9°F with an average of 47.6 inches of rainfall, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 8b. However, potential challenges such as drought, which ranks high on the FEMA hazard list at 88, may affect water availability for gardening and livestock.

Risks in this area include notable natural hazards such as drought and hurricanes, with FEMA rankings of 88 and 67 respectively. Additionally, while the violence percentile is moderate at 56, the density percentile indicates a relatively populated environment for a rural area. The median home price of $354,200 may also present a barrier for those seeking affordable land, particularly for new homesteaders or those on a tight budget.

This county may be a good fit for individuals or families looking for a rural lifestyle with access to amenities and a decent income level, as indicated by the median household income of $113,120. Those with experience in managing water resources and preparing for natural disasters may thrive here. However, individuals seeking extreme remoteness or lower housing costs might find this area less suitable due to its higher population density and housing prices.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,422 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#51 of 133 in VA
Ranked #51 of 133 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: drought
FEMA ranks drought risk at 88/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 119/sqmi
Densely populated at 119 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 58.9°F annual mean and 47.6" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $354,200.

Score Breakdown

Violence
70
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
14
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
75
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
14.1
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Coastal Flood 53
Cold Wave 5
Drought 88
Earthquake 41
Hail 10
Hurricane 67
Heat Wave 33
Riverine Flood 23
Ice Storm 32
Landslide 44
Lightning 18
Strong Wind 24
Tornado 25
Wildfire 27
Winter Weather 23

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
89.4°F
Winter low
28.3°F
Heating degree days
3,669
Cooling degree days
1,479

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$354,200
Median HH income
$113,120
Price to income
3.1×
Property tax rate
0.68%
~$2,403/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
43.2
Homeownership
92.3%
Poverty rate
3.9%
Unemployment
3%

Connectivity

Broadband households
69.9%
No internet access
9.1%

Explore New Kent 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.