Hunt & Live

Ben Hill County, GA

17,069 residents · 250 sq mi · 68.2/sq mi · 34% rural

Climate
66.1°F
47.3" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.32
Hardiness
Zone 9b
Winter low ~28.3°F

About Ben Hill County

Ben Hill is a neighborhood in the southwestern part of Atlanta, Georgia, United States.

43
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1995 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

The county features a mix of rural and suburban landscapes, with a population density of 68.2 people per square mile, providing a balance of remoteness and community. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 66.1°F and 47.3 inches of rainfall, which supports a growing season suitable for various crops. The area falls within USDA zone 9b, allowing for a diverse range of gardening and farming opportunities, although the humid conditions may require careful water management.

Natural hazards pose significant risks in this area, with hurricanes (FEMA rank 77) and tornadoes (rank 65) being notable threats. Drought (rank 62) can also impact agricultural pursuits, while the earthquake risk (rank 59) is moderate. The county's violence percentile of 80 indicates a higher level of safety compared to many areas, but residents should still be aware of potential issues associated with living in a populated region. The cost of living is relatively low, with a median home price of $100,000, but incomes average $38,255, which may limit financial flexibility.

This county could be a good fit for individuals or families seeking a lower-cost living environment with access to agricultural opportunities. Homesteaders who can adapt to the climate and manage the risks of natural disasters will likely thrive here. However, those requiring extensive broadband access may find the 50% subscription rate limiting, and individuals seeking a more remote or isolated lifestyle may find the population density a drawback.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,925 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#85 of 159 in GA
Ranked #85 of 159 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hurricane
FEMA ranks hurricane risk at 77/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
68.2 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 66.1°F annual mean and 47.3" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $100,000.

Score Breakdown

Violence
84
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
25
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
62
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
25.4
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 40
Drought 62
Earthquake 59
Hail 24
Hurricane 77
Heat Wave 42
Riverine Flood 23
Ice Storm 9
Landslide 3
Lightning 49
Strong Wind 38
Tornado 65
Wildfire 42
Winter Weather 10

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
91.9°F
Winter low
38.3°F
Heating degree days
1,920
Cooling degree days
2,367

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$100,000
Median HH income
$38,255
Price to income
2.6×
Property tax rate
1.03%
~$1,028/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
38.7
Homeownership
57.9%
Poverty rate
26.5%
Unemployment
4.9%

Connectivity

Broadband households
49.8%
No internet access
25.6%

Explore Ben Hill 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.