Hunt & Live

Pierce County, GA

20,168 residents · 341 sq mi · 59.2/sq mi · 99% rural

Climate
67.3°F
48.6" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.3
Hardiness
Zone 9b
Winter low ~28.9°F

About Pierce County

Pierce County is a county located in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 19,716. The county seat is Blackshear. Pierce County is part of the Waycross, Georgia Micropolitan Statistical Area.

48
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1647 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

This area features a predominantly rural landscape with a population density of 59.2 people per square mile, making it suitable for those seeking remoteness. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 67.3°F and an average annual rainfall of 48.6 inches, supporting a growing season conducive to various crops, particularly in USDA zone 9b. The humid environment can be advantageous for gardening and livestock, but the heat of summer, with highs reaching 93.3°F, may challenge some crops and livestock management.

Natural hazards in the county include a notable risk of hurricanes (FEMA rank 84) and wildfires (rank 69), which could pose significant challenges for self-sufficient living. Drought (rank 50) and heat waves (rank 38) also present risks, particularly for water resources and crop yields. While the violence percentile is at 61/100, suggesting a moderate level of safety concerns, the economic landscape is relatively stable with a median home price of $116,800 and an effective property tax rate of 0.97%, making housing more accessible.

This county could be a good fit for homesteaders who are experienced in managing the challenges of a humid subtropical climate and are prepared for natural hazards, particularly those who can mitigate hurricane and wildfire risks. Those seeking a low-cost living with a rural lifestyle may thrive here. However, individuals unprepared for potential extreme weather events or those reliant on high-speed internet may find the 53% broadband subscription rate limiting, which could be a dealbreaker for remote work or online education.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,374 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#59 of 159 in GA
Ranked #59 of 159 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hurricane
FEMA ranks hurricane risk at 84/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
59.2 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 67.3°F annual mean and 48.6" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $116,800.

Score Breakdown

Violence
76
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
23
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
58
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
22.7
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 33
Drought 50
Earthquake 42
Hail 11
Hurricane 85
Heat Wave 38
Riverine Flood 18
Ice Storm 0
Landslide 3
Lightning 36
Strong Wind 14
Tornado 37
Wildfire 69
Winter Weather 4

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
93.3°F
Winter low
38.9°F
Heating degree days
1,689
Cooling degree days
2,550

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$116,800
Median HH income
$54,861
Price to income
2.1×
Property tax rate
0.97%
~$1,129/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
39.8
Homeownership
76.9%
Poverty rate
15.3%
Unemployment
2.3%

Connectivity

Broadband households
52.9%
No internet access
16.3%

Explore Pierce 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.