Hunt & Live

Wilcox County, GA

8,761 residents · 378 sq mi · 23.2/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
65.8°F
48" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.35
Hardiness
Zone 9b
Winter low ~27.7°F

About Wilcox County

Wilcox County is a county located in the southern portion of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 8,766. The county seat is Abbeville.

58
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1017 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a rural lifestyle with a low population density of 23.2 people per square mile, ideal for those seeking solitude or self-sufficient living. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 65.8°F and an average rainfall of 48 inches, supporting a growing season conducive to crops typical of USDA zone 9b. However, the humid conditions may require attention to water management and crop selection to ensure sustainable agriculture.

Natural hazards present notable risks, with drought ranked 80 and hurricanes at 77, which could impact food security and property. While the area has a moderate violence percentile of 68, indicating some community safety concerns, the disaster percentile is favorable at 13, suggesting a lower risk of significant calamities. The median home price of $65,300 may attract some buyers, but the 44% broadband subscription rate indicates limited internet access, which could hinder connectivity in an increasingly digital world.

This county could suit individuals or families seeking an affordable, rural lifestyle with a focus on agriculture or self-sufficiency, particularly those comfortable with the risks of heat and occasional hurricanes. However, those who prioritize high-speed internet or are averse to living in a region with notable drought conditions may find this area less appealing. The low housing costs can be a hidden gem for budget-conscious homesteaders willing to adapt to local challenges.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #791 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#27 of 159 in GA
Ranked #27 of 159 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: drought
FEMA ranks drought risk at 80/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
23.2 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 65.8°F annual mean and 48.0" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $65,300.

Score Breakdown

Violence
82
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
13
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
32
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
13.2
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 7
Drought 80
Earthquake 38
Hail 33
Hurricane 77
Heat Wave 45
Riverine Flood 9
Ice Storm 14
Landslide 5
Lightning 32
Strong Wind 37
Tornado 40
Wildfire 40
Winter Weather 3

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
92°F
Winter low
37.7°F
Heating degree days
2,005
Cooling degree days
2,324

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$65,300
Median HH income
$46,759
Price to income
1.4×
Property tax rate
0.93%
~$608/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
41.4
Homeownership
73.6%
Poverty rate
23%
Unemployment
5.3%

Connectivity

Broadband households
44.5%
No internet access
24.7%

Explore Wilcox 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.