Hunt & Live

Pike County, GA

19,990 residents · 216 sq mi · 92.5/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
62.6°F
51" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.6
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~23.9°F

About Pike County

Pike County is a county in the West Central region of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 18,889. The county seat is Zebulon.

47
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1719 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

This area features a mix of rural landscapes with a population density of 92.5 people per square mile, which can provide a sense of community while still allowing for some privacy. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 62.6°F and 51 inches of rainfall, supporting a growing season suitable for a variety of crops, particularly in USDA zone 9a. However, the humid conditions may require careful water management for self-sufficient living.

Natural hazards pose some risks, with drought (FEMA rank 51) and hurricanes (rank 50) being the most significant concerns. The county's disaster percentile is notably low at 8/100, indicating a generally safer environment. The area's violence percentile is 69/100, suggesting that while it may not be the safest region, it is still relatively secure compared to many urban areas. Additionally, the median home price of $234,700 could be a barrier for some prospective homesteaders.

This county may appeal to individuals or families seeking a rural lifestyle with moderate climate conditions and agricultural potential. Those who thrive here are likely to be self-sufficient and adaptable, as they will need to navigate the local risks and potential costs of living. However, individuals looking for urban amenities or lower housing costs may find this area less suitable for their needs.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,463 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#68 of 159 in GA
Ranked #68 of 159 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: drought
FEMA ranks drought risk at 51/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
92.5 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 62.6°F annual mean and 51.0" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $234,700.

Score Breakdown

Violence
82
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
8
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
70
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
8
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 7
Drought 51
Earthquake 40
Hail 35
Hurricane 50
Heat Wave 35
Riverine Flood 20
Ice Storm 28
Landslide 13
Lightning 35
Strong Wind 26
Tornado 30
Wildfire 34
Winter Weather 4

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
90°F
Winter low
33.9°F
Heating degree days
2,642
Cooling degree days
1,793

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$234,700
Median HH income
$83,866
Price to income
2.8×
Property tax rate
0.95%
~$2,220/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
40.2
Homeownership
83.6%
Poverty rate
8.1%
Unemployment
4.5%

Connectivity

Broadband households
50.7%
No internet access
17.5%

Explore Pike 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.