Greene County, GA
20,139 residents · 388 sq mi · 52.0/sq mi · 100% rural
About Greene County
Greene County is a county located in the east central portion & the Lake country region of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 18,915. The county seat is Greensboro. The county was created on February 3, 1786, and is named for Nathanael Greene, an American Revolutionary War major general.
Prepper Assessment
Living in Greene County offers a rural lifestyle characterized by a humid subtropical climate, with an annual mean temperature of 62.6°F and 47.1 inches of rainfall per year. The growing season is favorable for various crops, supported by a USDA zone of 9a. The terrain is predominantly rural, providing ample space for self-sufficient living. However, the county's 52 people per square mile may present some remoteness challenges for those seeking community resources or immediate assistance.
Natural hazards present notable risks in this area, with hurricanes ranked 73 and ice storms at 67 on the FEMA scale. Earthquakes and wildfires also pose threats, though their ranks of 59 and 58 suggest they are less frequent concerns. The county's violence percentile is relatively high at 81, indicating potential safety issues. Additionally, the median home price of $308,000 may be a barrier for some prospective homesteaders, especially given the median household income of $77,527.
This county may suit individuals or families looking for a quieter, rural lifestyle who are comfortable with the risks of natural hazards and the realities of a higher cost of living. Those with experience in agriculture or self-sufficient practices will likely thrive here, while newcomers to rural living may find the isolation and safety concerns challenging. The hidden gem for homesteaders could be the favorable growing conditions, but the trade-offs of potential natural disasters and housing costs should be carefully considered.