Anderson County, SC
209,581 residents · 714 sq mi · 293.6/sq mi · 42% rural
About Anderson County
Anderson County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, its population was 203,718. Its county seat is Anderson. Named for Revolutionary War leader Robert Anderson, the county is located in northwestern South Carolina, along the state line of Georgia. The county is included in the Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC metropolitan statistical area. Anderson County contains 55,950-acre (22,640 ha) Lake Hartwell, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake with nearly 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of shoreline for residential and recreational use. The area is a growing industrial, commercial, and tourist center. It is the home of Anderson University, a private, selective comprehensive university with about 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
Prepper Assessment
Living in this area means experiencing a humid subtropical climate with an annual mean temperature of 61.5°F and an average of 48.5 inches of rainfall per year. The growing season is relatively long due to the USDA zone 9a designation, which supports a wide variety of crops. The terrain is varied, featuring both rural areas and access to Lake Hartwell, providing opportunities for fishing and recreation. However, the population density of 293.6 people per square mile may limit the sense of remoteness that some homesteaders seek.
The county faces significant natural hazards, as indicated by FEMA rankings; cold waves and ice storms are ranked at 96, while tornadoes and strong winds are also notable concerns. With a violence percentile of 82, this area may not be the safest choice for all individuals. The cost of living is moderate, with a median home price of $189,400 and a low effective property tax rate of 0.49%, but the higher population density could lead to challenges in finding affordable, suitable land for self-sufficient living.
This area may be a good fit for those looking for a mix of rural living with access to recreational activities, particularly around Lake Hartwell. Individuals who thrive in a community-oriented environment and can manage the risks associated with natural hazards may find it appealing. However, those seeking a more isolated homesteading experience or who prioritize safety may find the population density and violence percentile to be significant dealbreakers.