Hunt & Live

Putnam County, GA

22,984 residents · 345 sq mi · 66.7/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
63.2°F
46.7" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.43
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~23.3°F

About Putnam County

Putnam County is a county located in the central portion of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 22,047. The county seat is Eatonton.

34
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2505 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a rural lifestyle characterized by a population density of 66.7 people per square mile, allowing for spacious living and potential for self-sufficient practices. The climate is mild with an annual mean temperature of 63.2°F and an average rainfall of 46.7 inches, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 9a. However, the humid conditions, indicated by an aridity index of 1.43, may require careful water management for gardening and livestock.

Potential risks in this area include a notable threat from drought, which ranks 84th on FEMA's hazard list, along with hurricanes and riverine flooding, which may impact agricultural endeavors and infrastructure. The violence percentile is at 67, suggesting some concerns regarding safety, while the cost of living is moderate, with a median home price of $203,300 and a property tax rate of 0.71%. Access to broadband is relatively good, with 68% of households subscribed.

This county may appeal to individuals or families seeking a rural lifestyle with a focus on self-sufficiency, particularly those who can manage the risks associated with drought and flooding. However, the moderate violence percentile and potential for natural disasters could deter those looking for a completely safe and stable environment. A homesteader's dealbreaker might be the area's vulnerability to drought, while the relatively low property tax rate could be a hidden gem for those looking to invest in land.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #2,174 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#96 of 159 in GA
Ranked #96 of 159 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: drought
FEMA ranks drought risk at 84/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
66.7 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 63.2°F annual mean and 46.7" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $203,300.

Score Breakdown

Violence
82
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
53
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
61
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
53.3
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 30
Drought 84
Earthquake 59
Hail 57
Hurricane 72
Heat Wave 57
Riverine Flood 68
Ice Storm 59
Landslide 27
Lightning 27
Strong Wind 41
Tornado 49
Wildfire 63
Winter Weather 9

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
92°F
Winter low
33.3°F
Heating degree days
2,570
Cooling degree days
1,954

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$203,300
Median HH income
$60,825
Price to income
3.3×
Property tax rate
0.71%
~$1,449/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
48.6
Homeownership
79.6%
Poverty rate
16%
Unemployment
3.2%

Connectivity

Broadband households
67.8%
No internet access
14.6%

Explore Putnam 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.