Hunt & Live

Stewart County, GA

4,648 residents · 459 sq mi · 10.1/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
64.9°F
51" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.49
Hardiness
Zone 9b
Winter low ~26.1°F

About Stewart County

Stewart County is a county located in the west central portion of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 5,314. The county seat is Lumpkin. The county was created on December 23, 1830.

65
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #708 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a rural lifestyle with a low population density of 10.1 people per square mile, fostering a sense of remoteness. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 64.9°F and significant rainfall of 51 inches per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 9b. The humid environment can be advantageous for self-sufficient living, although the summer highs can reach 91.5°F, which may require careful planning for heat management and crop selection.

However, there are notable risks associated with this region. The county faces a higher risk of hurricanes (ranked 60) and drought (ranked 56), which could impact both water supply and agricultural productivity. The violence percentile is at 68, indicating a higher level of safety concerns compared to other areas, while the disaster percentile at 6 suggests a low likelihood of natural disasters. Additionally, with only 35% of households having broadband access, connectivity might be a challenge for those who require reliable internet for work or communication.

This county may appeal to individuals or families seeking a secluded lifestyle with affordable housing, as the median home price is $72,500. It is well-suited for those who can adapt to the risks of hurricanes and drought and who appreciate a slower pace of life. However, it may not be ideal for those who depend on modern amenities, such as reliable internet access, or who prefer a safer environment with lower crime rates. The hidden gem here is the affordability of property, but the dealbreaker could be the potential for severe weather impacts.

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

Key Facts

Top 15% nationally
National prepper rank: #458 of 3,109.
#4 in GA
Top 5 counties in Georgia out of 159.
Dominant hazard: hurricane
FEMA ranks hurricane risk at 60/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
10.1 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 64.9°F annual mean and 51.0" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $72,500.

Score Breakdown

Violence
82
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
6
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
18
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
5.9
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 5
Drought 56
Earthquake 32
Hail 11
Hurricane 61
Heat Wave 32
Riverine Flood 9
Ice Storm 8
Landslide 45
Lightning 56
Strong Wind 8
Tornado 44
Wildfire 44
Winter Weather 2

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
91.5°F
Winter low
36.1°F
Heating degree days
2,169
Cooling degree days
2,153

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$72,500
Median HH income
$43,094
Price to income
1.7×
Property tax rate
1.01%
~$730/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
37.4
Homeownership
60.4%
Poverty rate
21.9%
Unemployment
5%

Connectivity

Broadband households
35.1%
No internet access
25%

Explore Stewart 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.