Hunt & Live

Decatur County, TN

11,564 residents · 334 sq mi · 34.6/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
59.8°F
55.4" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.87
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~19.1°F

About Decatur County

Decatur County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 11,435. Its county seat is Decaturville.

53
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1305 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural lifestyle, characterized by a low population density of 34.6 people per square mile. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 59.8°F, with ample rainfall of 55.4 inches per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops. The USDA hardiness zone 8b indicates the potential for a diverse garden, although the region's humid conditions may require careful water management during drier spells.

However, there are notable risks to consider. The county experiences a high earthquake risk, with a FEMA rank of 83, alongside significant potential for tornadoes (ranked 67) and cold waves (ranked 72). While the violence percentile is relatively moderate at 67, the overall disaster percentile of 38 indicates some level of vulnerability to natural hazards. Additionally, with a median home price of $128,600 and a median household income of $48,466, financial sustainability may pose a challenge for some residents.

This county may be a good fit for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with the resources to manage risks and engage in self-sufficient living. Individuals comfortable with potential natural hazards and those who can afford the median home prices are likely to thrive here. However, those reliant on high-speed internet or looking for urban amenities may find the area lacking, given that only 50% of households have broadband subscriptions, which could hinder remote work or online engagement.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,496 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#18 of 95 in TN
Ranked #18 of 95 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: earthquake
FEMA ranks earthquake risk at 83/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
34.6 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 59.8°F annual mean and 55.4" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $128,600.

Score Breakdown

Violence
60
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
38
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
42
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
38.4
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 72
Drought 29
Earthquake 83
Hail 6
Hurricane 47
Heat Wave 53
Riverine Flood 34
Ice Storm 24
Landslide 47
Lightning 38
Strong Wind 49
Tornado 67
Wildfire 13
Winter Weather 13

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
89.7°F
Winter low
29.1°F
Heating degree days
3,496
Cooling degree days
1,625

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$128,600
Median HH income
$48,466
Price to income
2.7×
Property tax rate
0.51%
~$653/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
45.8
Homeownership
78.2%
Poverty rate
19.2%
Unemployment
7.9%

Connectivity

Broadband households
49.6%
No internet access
20.6%

Explore Decatur 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.