Hunt & Live

Lumpkin County, GA

34,796 residents · 283 sq mi · 123.0/sq mi · 81% rural

Climate
57.9°F
64.3" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 2.33
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~19.5°F

About Lumpkin County

Lumpkin County is a county in the Northeast region of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 33,488. Its county seat is Dahlonega. Lumpkin County is included in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, Georgia metropolitan statistical area.

49
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1567 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and accessible amenities, with a population density of 123.0 people per square mile, indicating a predominantly rural lifestyle. The climate is humid with an annual mean temperature of 57.9°F and 64.3 inches of rainfall, supporting a growing season suitable for a variety of crops. However, the terrain may present challenges for large-scale agriculture or livestock due to the potential for landslides and other natural hazards.

This county faces several natural risks, including a high lightning hazard (FEMA rank 98) and notable threats from ice storms (rank 64) and tornadoes (rank 62). While the violence percentile is relatively high at 93/100, indicating lower safety levels, the cost of living is moderate, with a median home price of $249,400 and an effective property tax rate of 0.72%. These factors may deter some individuals seeking a peaceful homesteading environment.

This location may be suitable for those with a strong resilience to natural hazards and a willingness to engage with the local community. Homesteaders who thrive here would likely be adaptable, resourceful, and prepared for potential weather-related challenges. Conversely, those seeking absolute safety from natural disasters or a lower cost of living may find this area less appealing, as the risks associated with lightning and ice storms could be a dealbreaker for some.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #2,740 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#140 of 159 in GA
Ranked #140 of 159 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: lightning
FEMA ranks lightning risk at 98/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 123/sqmi
Densely populated at 123 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 57.9°F annual mean and 64.3" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $249,400.

Score Breakdown

Violence
32
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
45
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
76
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
44.9
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 60
Drought 50
Earthquake 58
Hail 43
Hurricane 43
Heat Wave 15
Riverine Flood 51
Ice Storm 64
Landslide 78
Lightning 98
Strong Wind 36
Tornado 62
Wildfire 46
Winter Weather 15

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
85.7°F
Winter low
29.5°F
Heating degree days
3,642
Cooling degree days
1,086

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$249,400
Median HH income
$67,592
Price to income
3.7×
Property tax rate
0.72%
~$1,808/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
35.9
Homeownership
76.8%
Poverty rate
14.5%
Unemployment
5%

Connectivity

Broadband households
74.9%
No internet access
8.3%

Explore Lumpkin 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.