Hunt & Live

Cannon County, TN

14,788 residents · 266 sq mi · 55.7/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
58.3°F
57.2" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 2.03
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~18.3°F
54
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1280 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

The county offers a predominantly rural lifestyle with a population density of 55.7 people per square mile, making it relatively spacious for homesteading. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 58.3°F and ample rainfall of 57.2 inches per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops, particularly in USDA zone 8b. However, the region's humid conditions may pose challenges for certain types of agriculture, requiring careful planning for water management.

Natural hazards in this area include a notable risk of tornadoes (FEMA rank 58) and earthquakes (rank 53), which could impact homestead safety and infrastructure. The violence percentile stands at 82, indicating higher-than-average safety concerns, while the disaster percentile at 23 suggests a relatively lower risk of other natural disasters. The median home price of $217,700 may be a consideration for those looking to establish a homestead, especially with a median household income of $57,651.

This county may be suitable for individuals or families seeking a rural lifestyle with a focus on self-sufficiency, particularly those who are prepared for the risks of tornadoes and earthquakes. However, those uncomfortable with moderate safety concerns or the potential for natural disasters might find it less appealing. A hidden gem could be the affordable property tax rate of 0.51%, which could benefit long-term residents.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,791 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#30 of 95 in TN
Ranked #30 of 95 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: tornado
FEMA ranks tornado risk at 58/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
55.7 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 58.3°F annual mean and 57.2" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $217,700.

Score Breakdown

Violence
60
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
23
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
57
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
22.9
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 28
Drought 50
Earthquake 53
Hail 7
Hurricane 27
Heat Wave 21
Riverine Flood 40
Ice Storm 25
Landslide 45
Lightning 32
Strong Wind 43
Tornado 58
Wildfire 4
Winter Weather 44

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
87.9°F
Winter low
28.3°F
Heating degree days
3,785
Cooling degree days
1,359

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$217,700
Median HH income
$57,651
Price to income
3.8×
Property tax rate
0.51%
~$1,114/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
40.7
Homeownership
76.6%
Poverty rate
15.1%
Unemployment
3.3%

Connectivity

Broadband households
55.3%
No internet access
21.5%

Explore Cannon County Further

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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.