Hunt & Live

Cheatham County, TN

41,830 residents · 303 sq mi · 138.3/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
58.9°F
51.4" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.77
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~18.3°F

About Cheatham County

Cheatham County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 41,072. Its county seat is Ashland City. Cheatham County is located in Middle Tennessee, and is part of the Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN Metropolitan Statistical Area.

49
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1564 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in Cheatham County offers a predominantly rural setting with a population density of 138.3 people per square mile, allowing for ample space and privacy. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 58.9°F and 51.4 inches of rainfall per year, providing a humid environment suitable for diverse agricultural practices. With a USDA hardiness zone of 8b, the growing season is favorable for a variety of crops, although the potential for extreme summer highs of 89.4°F and winter lows of 28.3°F should be considered for planning.

Natural hazards present in this area include a high risk of earthquakes (FEMA rank 80) and tornadoes (FEMA rank 67), which could impact self-sufficient living. The cost of living is moderate, with a median home price of $262,200 and a median household income of $77,014. While the violence percentile is at 45/100, indicating a generally safe environment, the density percentile at 77/100 suggests areas may feel more populated than other rural locations, which could affect personal security and community dynamics.

This county may suit individuals or families seeking a rural lifestyle with access to urban amenities, given its proximity to the Nashville area. Those who thrive here will likely be adaptable and prepared for natural hazards. However, individuals looking for extreme remoteness or those who are unprepared for the risks associated with earthquakes and tornadoes may find this location challenging. A dealbreaker for some homesteaders could be the potential for severe weather events, while the abundant rainfall could be a hidden gem for those focused on agriculture.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,924 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#34 of 95 in TN
Ranked #34 of 95 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: earthquake
FEMA ranks earthquake risk at 80/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 138/sqmi
Densely populated at 138 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 58.9°F annual mean and 51.4" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $262,200.

Score Breakdown

Violence
29
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
46
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
77
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
46.3
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 65
Drought 33
Earthquake 80
Hail 50
Hurricane 18
Heat Wave 46
Riverine Flood 55
Ice Storm 66
Landslide 60
Lightning 45
Strong Wind 44
Tornado 67
Wildfire 15
Winter Weather 18

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
89.4°F
Winter low
28.3°F
Heating degree days
3,744
Cooling degree days
1,552

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$262,200
Median HH income
$77,014
Price to income
3.4×
Property tax rate
0.54%
~$1,427/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
40.9
Homeownership
81.2%
Poverty rate
9.3%
Unemployment
3.7%

Connectivity

Broadband households
68.9%
No internet access
12.8%

Explore Cheatham 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.