Hunt & Live

Calhoun County, GA

5,469 residents · 280 sq mi · 19.5/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
66.3°F
52.1" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.44
Hardiness
Zone 9b
Winter low ~27.9°F

About Calhoun County

Calhoun County is a rural county in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Georgia. Its county seat is Morgan and its population was 5,573 in 2020.

58
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #993 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

This area features a predominantly rural landscape with a population density of 19.5 people per square mile, providing ample space for self-sufficient living. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 66.3°F and an average rainfall of 52.1 inches per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops typical of USDA zone 9b. However, the humid conditions may require careful water management, particularly during periods of drought.

Natural hazards pose notable risks in this region, with drought ranked at 87 and hurricanes at 79 on the FEMA scale. The area also experiences cold waves and tornadoes, both ranked at 43, which could impact homesteading efforts. While the population density is relatively low, the violence percentile is higher at 68, indicating potential safety concerns. Additionally, the median home price of $77,100 is affordable, but the overall cost of living and economic opportunities may be limited.

This county may suit individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle and who are prepared to manage the risks associated with natural hazards. Those with experience in agriculture and self-sufficiency will likely thrive here, while urban dwellers accustomed to high connectivity or those seeking abundant job opportunities may find it challenging. The key dealbreaker could be the high drought risk, which could severely impact farming efforts, while the affordable housing could be a hidden gem for aspiring homesteaders.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #761 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#24 of 159 in GA
Ranked #24 of 159 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: drought
FEMA ranks drought risk at 87/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
19.5 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 66.3°F annual mean and 52.1" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $77,100.

Score Breakdown

Violence
82
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
16
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
28
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
16.3
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 43
Drought 87
Earthquake 32
Hail 36
Hurricane 79
Heat Wave 26
Riverine Flood 8
Ice Storm 4
Landslide 4
Lightning 28
Strong Wind 16
Tornado 43
Wildfire 29
Winter Weather 5

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
91.5°F
Winter low
37.9°F
Heating degree days
1,898
Cooling degree days
2,390

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$77,100
Median HH income
$48,663
Price to income
1.6×
Property tax rate
1.13%
~$870/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
39.2
Homeownership
65.5%
Poverty rate
25.8%
Unemployment
11.4%

Connectivity

Broadband households
48.4%
No internet access
22.2%

Explore Calhoun 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.