Hunt & Live

Atkinson County, GA

8,183 residents · 343 sq mi · 23.9/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
66.8°F
48" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.31
Hardiness
Zone 9b
Winter low ~28.8°F

About Atkinson County

Atkinson County is a county located in the southeastern region of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the county's population was 8,286. The county seat is Pearson. The county was formed in 1917 from parts of Coffee and Clinch counties. It is named for William Yates Atkinson, Democratic governor of Georgia from 1894 to 1898. In 2003, it had the highest illiteracy rate of any U.S. county at 36%.

54
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1225 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this county offers a primarily rural environment with a population density of 23.9 people per square mile, allowing for significant space and privacy. The climate is characterized by a warm, humid subtropical environment with an annual mean temperature of 66.8°F and 48 inches of rainfall per year, suitable for a variety of crops. The USDA hardiness zone 9b indicates a long growing season, which is advantageous for gardening and small-scale farming, although water availability may require careful management due to the aridity index of 1.31.

Natural hazards pose some risks in this area, with hurricanes being the most significant threat, rated at FEMA rank 78. Drought (rank 56) and wildfires (rank 43) are also concerns to consider for self-sufficient living. The county has a relatively higher violence percentile at 68, suggesting a moderate level of safety. The median home price is affordable at $77,100, but the median household income of $38,007 indicates that economic opportunities may be limited, which could affect long-term sustainability.

This county may be a good fit for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with the ability to grow their own food and manage land effectively. Individuals or families with a strong focus on self-sufficiency and resilience will likely thrive here, particularly if they can navigate the risks of hurricanes and drought. However, those who rely on urban amenities, higher income opportunities, or extensive broadband access (only 46% of households are subscribed) 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 #714 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#20 of 159 in GA
Ranked #20 of 159 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hurricane
FEMA ranks hurricane risk at 78/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
23.9 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 66.8°F annual mean and 48.0" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $77,100.

Score Breakdown

Violence
97
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
7
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
33
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
7.3
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 16
Drought 56
Earthquake 35
Hail 6
Hurricane 78
Heat Wave 21
Riverine Flood 8
Ice Storm 2
Landslide 2
Lightning 23
Strong Wind 9
Tornado 29
Wildfire 43
Winter Weather 3

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
92.6°F
Winter low
38.8°F
Heating degree days
1,763
Cooling degree days
2,452

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$77,100
Median HH income
$38,007
Price to income
Property tax rate
0.93%
~$719/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
35.5
Homeownership
66.9%
Poverty rate
27.5%
Unemployment
4.6%

Connectivity

Broadband households
46.5%
No internet access
19.8%

Explore Atkinson 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.