Hunt & Live

Sumter County, GA

28,877 residents · 483 sq mi · 59.8/sq mi · 41% rural

Climate
65.1°F
50.5" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.46
Hardiness
Zone 9b
Winter low ~26.6°F

About Sumter County

Sumter County is a county located in the west-central portion of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, its population was 29,616. The county seat is Americus. The county was created on December 26, 1831.

32
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2616 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

This area features a mix of rural and urban environments, with a population density of 59.8 people per square mile. The climate is generally mild, with an annual mean temperature of 65.1°F and an average of 50.5 inches of rainfall per year. The growing season is relatively long due to its USDA zone 9b classification, allowing for a variety of crops. However, the humid climate may present challenges in terms of managing crops and water resources.

Sumter County faces several natural hazards, including a high risk of drought (FEMA rank 96) and hurricanes (rank 81). Additionally, the area has a notable risk of heat waves (rank 69) and tornadoes (rank 65). With a violence percentile of 75/100, safety may be a concern for potential residents. The median home price of $130,000 is relatively affordable, but the overall economic conditions reflected in the median household income of $38,899 may limit financial stability for some.

This county could be a suitable fit for individuals or families seeking an affordable rural lifestyle with a longer growing season. Those with experience in managing the risks associated with humidity and natural disasters may thrive here. However, individuals seeking a more urban environment or those who prioritize safety may find the area's violence percentile and natural hazard risks to be significant dealbreakers.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #2,269 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#106 of 159 in GA
Ranked #106 of 159 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: drought
FEMA ranks drought risk at 96/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
59.8 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 65.1°F annual mean and 50.5" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $130,000.

Score Breakdown

Violence
93
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
53
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
58
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
53.2
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 11
Drought 96
Earthquake 64
Hail 64
Hurricane 81
Heat Wave 69
Riverine Flood 54
Ice Storm 11
Landslide 34
Lightning 65
Strong Wind 57
Tornado 65
Wildfire 65
Winter Weather 15

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
91.4°F
Winter low
36.6°F
Heating degree days
2,127
Cooling degree days
2,204

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$130,000
Median HH income
$38,899
Price to income
3.3×
Property tax rate
1.24%
~$1,613/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
36.9
Homeownership
56.7%
Poverty rate
24.2%
Unemployment
6.4%

Connectivity

Broadband households
47%
No internet access
21.1%

Explore Sumter 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.