Hunt & Live

Upson County, GA

28,086 residents · 324 sq mi · 86.8/sq mi · 47% rural

Climate
63.1°F
50" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.54
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~24.2°F

About Upson County

Upson County is a county in the West Central region of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 27,700. The county seat is Thomaston. The county was created on December 15, 1824.

44
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1929 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

The county features a mix of rural and suburban areas with a population density of 86.8 people per square mile, which may appeal to those seeking a balance of community and space. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 63.1°F and 50 inches of rainfall per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 9a. Water availability is favorable due to the humid classification, allowing for productive gardening and self-sufficient living.

Natural hazards pose some risks in this area, with hurricanes (FEMA rank 64) being a significant concern, alongside lightning (53) and drought (52). While the violence percentile is at 49, suggesting a moderate level of safety, the density percentile of 68 indicates a relatively populated environment. Housing costs are reasonable, with a median home price of $136,500, but prospective residents should consider the potential for heat waves and the impacts of climate variability.

This county may be a good fit for individuals or families looking for a semi-rural lifestyle with moderate housing costs and a favorable growing climate. Those who thrive here are likely adaptable and prepared for occasional natural hazards. However, individuals seeking complete isolation or those who are averse to the risks associated with hurricanes and heat may find this area less suitable for their homesteading goals.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,204 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#52 of 159 in GA
Ranked #52 of 159 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: hurricane
FEMA ranks hurricane risk at 64/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
86.8 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 63.1°F annual mean and 50.0" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $136,500.

Score Breakdown

Violence
84
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
17
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
68
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
17.1
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 8
Drought 52
Earthquake 51
Hail 45
Hurricane 64
Heat Wave 51
Riverine Flood 32
Ice Storm 23
Landslide 32
Lightning 53
Strong Wind 33
Tornado 39
Wildfire 42
Winter Weather 6

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
90.5°F
Winter low
34.2°F
Heating degree days
2,520
Cooling degree days
1,873

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$136,500
Median HH income
$48,740
Price to income
2.8×
Property tax rate
0.89%
~$1,217/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
41.5
Homeownership
64.6%
Poverty rate
22.4%
Unemployment
3.1%

Connectivity

Broadband households
67.1%
No internet access
16.2%

Explore Upson 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.