Hunt & Live

Charlton County, GA

12,781 residents · 780 sq mi · 16.4/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
68.2°F
50.4" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.31
Hardiness
Zone 10a
Winter low ~30.4°F

About Charlton County

Charlton County is the southernmost county in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 12,518. The county seat is Folkston.

53
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1308 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural lifestyle with a population density of 16.4 people per square mile, which allows for a sense of space and privacy. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 68.2°F and a significant 50.4 inches of rainfall per year, making it suitable for a variety of crops within USDA zone 10a. However, the growing season may be limited by the potential for extreme summer temperatures, which can reach highs of 92.9°F.

The county faces notable natural hazards, with hurricanes ranked at 88, indicating a high risk, as well as a wildfire risk at rank 72. The area also experiences heat waves and lightning events, which could impact daily living and agricultural activities. Although the violence percentile is relatively high at 84, indicating some concerns over safety, the overall disaster percentile is lower at 26, suggesting fewer overall disaster risks compared to many other areas.

This location may be ideal for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with a focus on self-sufficiency and agricultural pursuits, particularly for individuals comfortable with the risks associated with hurricanes and wildfires. However, those who prioritize safety or seek urban amenities may find the area challenging. The affordable housing market, with a median home price of $107,500, could be a hidden gem for budget-conscious homesteaders looking for space and potential for growth.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,243 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#53 of 159 in GA
Ranked #53 of 159 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hurricane
FEMA ranks hurricane risk at 88/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
16.4 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 68.2°F annual mean and 50.4" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 10a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $107,500.

Score Breakdown

Violence
90
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
27
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
25
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
26.7
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Coastal Flood 18
Cold Wave 10
Drought 20
Earthquake 36
Hail 7
Hurricane 88
Heat Wave 46
Riverine Flood 16
Ice Storm 21
Landslide 7
Lightning 42
Strong Wind 18
Tornado 27
Wildfire 72
Winter Weather 4

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
92.9°F
Winter low
40.4°F
Heating degree days
1,474
Cooling degree days
2,662

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$107,500
Median HH income
$45,770
Price to income
2.3×
Property tax rate
1.01%
~$1,086/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
39.4
Homeownership
73.9%
Poverty rate
20.5%
Unemployment
8.3%

Connectivity

Broadband households
56.4%
No internet access
18.7%

Explore Charlton 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.