Hunt & Live

Hamilton County, FL

13,217 residents · 514 sq mi · 25.7/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
67.9°F
52.2" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.38
Hardiness
Zone 10a
Winter low ~30.1°F

About Hamilton County

Hamilton County is a county located in the north central portion of the U.S. state of Florida. As of the 2020 census, the population was 14,004, down from 14,799 at the 2010 census. Its county seat is Jasper.

42
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2084 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural lifestyle with a low population density of 25.7 people per square mile, allowing for ample space for self-sufficient living. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 67.9°F and significant rainfall at 52.2 inches per year, supporting a growing season conducive to diverse agriculture. However, the USDA zone 10a indicates that gardeners must be prepared for heat and humidity, which can challenge some crops and necessitate careful water management.

This area faces notable risks, including hurricanes (FEMA rank 90) and lightning (rank 89), which could impact safety and property. The county's disaster percentile at 43/100 suggests a moderate risk profile overall, but the high violence percentile of 91/100 indicates potential safety concerns, especially for those unfamiliar with rural crime dynamics. Additionally, while the median home price of $100,800 is relatively affordable, the local economy may limit job opportunities, affecting overall cost of living and financial stability.

Hamilton County may be well-suited for individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with a focus on agriculture and self-sufficiency. Those who thrive here are likely to be adaptable and prepared for the risks associated with natural disasters. However, individuals looking for urban amenities or those uncomfortable with the area's safety profile may find this location challenging. The combination of low housing costs and a warm climate can be appealing, but the potential for hurricanes and lightning should be a serious consideration for prospective residents.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,928 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#18 of 67 in FL
Ranked #18 of 67 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hurricane
FEMA ranks hurricane risk at 90/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
25.7 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 67.9°F annual mean and 52.2" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 10a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $100,800.

Score Breakdown

Violence
98
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
43
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
35
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
43
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 33
Drought 39
Earthquake 39
Hail 4
Hurricane 90
Heat Wave 41
Riverine Flood 26
Landslide 17
Lightning 89
Strong Wind 11
Tornado 33
Wildfire 69
Winter Weather 5

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
92.1°F
Winter low
40.1°F
Heating degree days
1,509
Cooling degree days
2,587

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$100,800
Median HH income
$47,668
Price to income
2.1×
Property tax rate
0.68%
~$689/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
41.8
Homeownership
75.2%
Poverty rate
26.4%
Unemployment
9.2%

Connectivity

Broadband households
52.8%
No internet access
22.4%

Explore Hamilton 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.