Hunt & Live

Butts County, GA

26,649 residents · 184 sq mi · 145.1/sq mi · 78% rural

Climate
62.7°F
48.7" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.52
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~23°F

About Butts County

Butts County is a county in the West Central region of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 25,434, up from 23,655 in 2010. The county seat is Jackson. The county was created on December 24, 1825.

39
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2227 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

This area features a mix of rural and suburban environments, with a population density of 145.1 people per square mile, indicating a predominantly rural lifestyle. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 62.7°F and ample rainfall at 48.7 inches per year, supporting a growing season that is well-suited for diverse crops in USDA zone 9a. Water availability is good, given the humid classification, making self-sufficient living feasible for those with agricultural skills.

However, the county faces notable risks, particularly from strong winds, which rank at 78 on the FEMA hazard scale, as well as threats from drought and hurricanes. The violence percentile stands at 78, suggesting a higher than average level of violence compared to other areas. Additionally, the median home price is $200,000, which may be a barrier for some aspiring homesteaders, especially given the relatively moderate household income of $60,076.

This county may be a good fit for individuals or families seeking a rural lifestyle with the potential for agriculture and self-sufficiency. Those with experience in managing natural hazards and a flexible approach to challenges may thrive here. However, individuals sensitive to violence or those needing reliable broadband access, as only 58% of households are subscribed, may find this area less appealing for long-term homesteading.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #2,080 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#91 of 159 in GA
Ranked #91 of 159 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: strong wind
FEMA ranks strong wind risk at 78/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 145/sqmi
Densely populated at 145 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 62.7°F annual mean and 48.7" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $200,000.

Score Breakdown

Violence
84
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
20
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
78
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
20.5
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 18
Drought 54
Earthquake 49
Hail 44
Hurricane 48
Heat Wave 45
Riverine Flood 32
Ice Storm 47
Landslide 17
Lightning 30
Strong Wind 78
Tornado 45
Wildfire 39
Winter Weather 5

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
91.2°F
Winter low
33°F
Heating degree days
2,676
Cooling degree days
1,861

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$200,000
Median HH income
$60,076
Price to income
3.3×
Property tax rate
0.84%
~$1,688/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
38.7
Homeownership
74.1%
Poverty rate
15.8%
Unemployment
4%

Connectivity

Broadband households
57.8%
No internet access
13.8%

Explore Butts 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.