Hunt & Live

Dickson County, TN

55,761 residents · 490 sq mi · 113.8/sq mi · 70% rural

Climate
58.4°F
52.3" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.84
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~17.6°F

About Dickson County

Dickson is a city in the U.S. state of Tennessee. Located in Dickson County. It is part of the Nashville metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, Dickson's population was 16,058.

38
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2323 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and moderate climate, with an annual mean temperature of 58.4°F and 52.3 inches of rainfall, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops. The USDA zone 8b allows for diverse gardening options, while the 70% rural makeup provides ample space for self-sufficient living. However, the population density of 113.8 people per square mile may limit complete isolation, which could be a consideration for those seeking remote homesteading.

The county faces several natural hazards, with notable concerns being earthquakes (FEMA rank 89) and tornadoes (rank 75), which may pose significant risks to infrastructure and safety. The area's violence percentile at 82 indicates higher-than-average crime rates, which could affect personal security. Additionally, the median home price of $243,800 may present affordability challenges for some prospective residents, especially in a region with a median household income of $68,492.

This county may be a suitable fit for individuals or families looking for a balance of rural living with access to urban amenities from nearby Nashville. Those who thrive here are likely adaptable, with an interest in gardening and self-sufficiency while being prepared for potential natural disasters. Conversely, individuals seeking complete remoteness or those uncomfortable with higher crime rates may find this area less appealing, making personal safety a potential dealbreaker.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #2,696 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#75 of 95 in TN
Ranked #75 of 95 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: earthquake
FEMA ranks earthquake risk at 89/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 114/sqmi
Densely populated at 114 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 58.4°F annual mean and 52.3" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $243,800.

Score Breakdown

Violence
60
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
53
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
74
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
53.5
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 74
Drought 31
Earthquake 89
Hail 8
Hurricane 23
Heat Wave 57
Riverine Flood 45
Ice Storm 74
Landslide 61
Lightning 55
Strong Wind 51
Tornado 75
Wildfire 21
Winter Weather 23

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
88.5°F
Winter low
27.6°F
Heating degree days
3,820
Cooling degree days
1,440

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$243,800
Median HH income
$68,492
Price to income
3.6×
Property tax rate
0.55%
~$1,329/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
39.2
Homeownership
79.8%
Poverty rate
10.9%
Unemployment
3.8%

Connectivity

Broadband households
56.5%
No internet access
15%

Explore Dickson 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.