Hunt & Live

Screven County, GA

13,977 residents · 646 sq mi · 21.6/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
65.3°F
46.7" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.34
Hardiness
Zone 9b
Winter low ~26.3°F

About Screven County

Screven County is a county located in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 14,067. The county seat is Sylvania.

45
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1885 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area is characterized by a predominantly rural environment with a low population density of 21.6 people per square mile. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 65.3°F and receives 46.7 inches of rain per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops, particularly in USDA zone 9b. The humid conditions, indicated by an aridity index of 1.34, provide ample water resources, which can be advantageous for self-sufficient living.

However, there are notable risks to consider. The county ranks high for violence at the 97th percentile, which may deter some potential residents. Natural hazards include hurricanes (FEMA rank 89) and droughts (rank 80), posing significant challenges for long-term sustainability. Additionally, the median home price of $107,800 may be relatively affordable, but the overall economic conditions and reliance on broadband (60% subscription rate) could limit opportunities for remote work or online businesses.

This county may suit individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with a strong agricultural focus. Those with experience in managing risks associated with hurricanes and droughts may thrive here. Conversely, individuals seeking urban amenities or a lower risk of violence may find this area less suitable. A dealbreaker for some could be the high violence percentile, while the affordable housing market serves as a hidden gem for budget-conscious homesteaders.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,974 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#87 of 159 in GA
Ranked #87 of 159 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hurricane
FEMA ranks hurricane risk at 89/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
21.6 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 65.3°F annual mean and 46.7" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $107,800.

Score Breakdown

Violence
92
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
44
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
30
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
43.9
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 28
Drought 80
Earthquake 69
Hail 26
Hurricane 89
Heat Wave 61
Riverine Flood 23
Ice Storm 51
Landslide 18
Lightning 26
Strong Wind 25
Tornado 45
Wildfire 54
Winter Weather 12

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
92.1°F
Winter low
36.3°F
Heating degree days
2,109
Cooling degree days
2,230

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$107,800
Median HH income
$49,941
Price to income
2.2×
Property tax rate
1.11%
~$1,192/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
41.9
Homeownership
74.2%
Poverty rate
18.4%
Unemployment
7.2%

Connectivity

Broadband households
59.7%
No internet access
20.4%

Explore Screven 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.