Hunt & Live

Brooks County, GA

16,253 residents · 493 sq mi · 33.0/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
66.9°F
51.7" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.41
Hardiness
Zone 9b
Winter low ~29.4°F

About Brooks County

Brooks County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia, on its southern border with Florida. As of the 2020 census, the population was 16,301. The county seat is Quitman. The county was created in 1858 from portions of Lowndes and Thomas counties by an act of the Georgia General Assembly and was named for pro-slavery U.S. Representative Preston Brooks, after he severely beat abolitionist Senator Charles Sumner with a cane for delivering a speech attacking slavery. Brooks County is included in the Valdosta metropolitan statistical area.

45
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1863 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and a warm climate, with an annual mean temperature of 66.9°F and an average of 51.7 inches of rainfall per year. The growing season is favorable for many crops, aided by the USDA zone 9b classification. The terrain is predominantly flat, which may facilitate farming and homesteading, although the region's humidity (aridity index of 1.41) should be considered when planning for water needs and crop selection.

Natural hazards pose significant risks, with lightning ranked at 94 and hurricanes at 86 in FEMA assessments. Tornadoes and wildfires also present concerns, with ranks of 59 and 56, respectively. The county has a population density of 33 people per square mile, which is relatively low, but the violence percentile at 49 suggests a moderate level of safety. Additionally, the median home price of $128,400 may be attractive, but the median household income of $42,263 indicates a potential challenge for affordability.

This area may be a good fit for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with the potential for self-sufficient living, especially if they are adaptable to the risks of hurricanes and lightning. Homesteaders with experience in managing water resources and disaster preparedness could thrive here. However, individuals seeking urban amenities or a high level of safety may find the county's hazards and economic conditions less appealing.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,173 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#50 of 159 in GA
Ranked #50 of 159 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: lightning
FEMA ranks lightning risk at 94/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
33.0 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 66.9°F annual mean and 51.7" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $128,400.

Score Breakdown

Violence
82
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
42
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
41
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
42.1
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 56
Drought 56
Earthquake 35
Hail 29
Hurricane 86
Heat Wave 43
Riverine Flood 31
Ice Storm 4
Landslide 5
Lightning 94
Strong Wind 20
Tornado 59
Wildfire 56
Winter Weather 13

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
91.3°F
Winter low
39.4°F
Heating degree days
1,710
Cooling degree days
2,423

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$128,400
Median HH income
$42,263
Price to income
Property tax rate
1.19%
~$1,525/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
42.6
Homeownership
68.3%
Poverty rate
26.5%
Unemployment
4.9%

Connectivity

Broadband households
45.4%
No internet access
28.3%

Explore Brooks 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.