Hunt & Live

Lamar County, GA

19,467 residents · 184 sq mi · 106.1/sq mi · 63% rural

Climate
62.8°F
49.6" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.55
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~23.7°F

About Lamar County

Lamar County is a county in the West Central region of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 18,500. The county seat is Barnesville.

46
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1791 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area features a humid subtropical climate with an annual mean temperature of 62.8°F and about 49.6 inches of rain each year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops. The terrain is predominantly rural, with a population density of 106.1 people per square mile, allowing for ample space for self-sufficient living. USDA zone 9a indicates that gardeners can cultivate a wide range of plants, but the high summer temperatures averaging 90.5°F may require additional water management strategies.

Key risks include hurricanes, ranked 65th in FEMA hazards, which pose a significant threat to safety and property in the area. Drought (52) and heat waves (39) can also impact agricultural activities, while the area's earthquake risk is moderate at 40. The cost of living is relatively affordable, with a median home price of $177,000 and a property tax rate of 1.01%. However, the violence percentile at 63 indicates a higher level of crime compared to many areas, which may be a concern for some.

This county may be well-suited for individuals or families looking for affordable land and a warm climate for gardening and livestock. Those who thrive here are likely to be self-sufficient and prepared for occasional natural disasters. However, the higher violence percentile and the risks associated with hurricanes may deter some potential homesteaders who prioritize safety and stability. A dealbreaker for many could be the need for effective disaster preparedness strategies in light of the prevalent hazards.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,407 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#64 of 159 in GA
Ranked #64 of 159 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hurricane
FEMA ranks hurricane risk at 65/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 106/sqmi
Densely populated at 106 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 62.8°F annual mean and 49.6" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $177,000.

Score Breakdown

Violence
82
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
8
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
73
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
7.8
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 8
Drought 52
Earthquake 40
Hail 39
Hurricane 65
Heat Wave 39
Riverine Flood 15
Ice Storm 27
Landslide 13
Lightning 31
Strong Wind 31
Tornado 35
Wildfire 35
Winter Weather 4

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
90.5°F
Winter low
33.7°F
Heating degree days
2,612
Cooling degree days
1,824

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$177,000
Median HH income
$64,966
Price to income
2.7×
Property tax rate
1.01%
~$1,792/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
37.6
Homeownership
76.1%
Poverty rate
11.2%
Unemployment
5.4%

Connectivity

Broadband households
59.8%
No internet access
12.6%

Explore Lamar 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.