Hunt & Live

Davidson County, TN

708,144 residents · 504 sq mi · 1,406.5/sq mi · 3% rural

Climate
59.2°F
52.1" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.78
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~19°F

About Davidson County

Davidson County is a county in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is located in the central part of the region of Middle Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 715,884, making it the second most populous county in Tennessee. Its county seat is Nashville, the state capital and most populous city.

5
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #3077 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in Davidson County offers a mix of urban and rural experiences, with a population density of 1,406.5 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 59.2°F and 52.1 inches of rainfall per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 8b. However, the high density and urbanization may limit opportunities for self-sufficient living compared to more remote areas, and access to land for homesteading could be competitive.

This area faces significant natural hazards, as indicated by FEMA data, with earthquake, riverine flood, and tornado risks all ranking at 98. The violence percentile of 71 suggests a higher than average crime risk, which could be a concern for those looking for a peaceful retreat. Additionally, the median home price of $354,700 may pose affordability challenges for potential homesteaders, particularly in a competitive housing market like Nashville.

Davidson County could be suitable for individuals or families who thrive in a vibrant urban environment but still want access to rural living. Those who can manage the risks associated with natural disasters and higher crime rates may find opportunities here. However, this area may not be ideal for traditional homesteaders seeking large tracts of land or a low-density lifestyle, as the high population and housing costs could be dealbreakers for many.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #3,064 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#94 of 95 in TN
Ranked #94 of 95 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: earthquake
FEMA ranks earthquake risk at 98/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 1,406/sqmi
Densely populated at 1,406 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 59.2°F annual mean and 52.1" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $354,700.

Score Breakdown

Violence
91
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
97
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
97
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
97.2
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 91
Drought 27
Earthquake 98
Hail 88
Hurricane 54
Heat Wave 95
Riverine Flood 98
Ice Storm 80
Landslide 69
Lightning 55
Strong Wind 97
Tornado 98
Wildfire 58
Winter Weather 82

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
89.5°F
Winter low
29°F
Heating degree days
3,663
Cooling degree days
1,591

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$354,700
Median HH income
$71,863
Price to income
4.9×
Property tax rate
0.63%
~$2,232/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
34.7
Homeownership
54.2%
Poverty rate
14.3%
Unemployment
4.6%

Connectivity

Broadband households
78.8%
No internet access
7.1%

Explore Davidson 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.