Hunt & Live

Hardeman County, TN

25,529 residents · 668 sq mi · 38.2/sq mi · 79% rural

Climate
60.5°F
56.3" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.85
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~20.1°F

About Hardeman County

Hardeman County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 25,462. Its county seat is Bolivar.

33
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2557 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and a humid subtropical climate, with an annual mean temperature of 60.5°F and 56.3 inches of rainfall per year. The growing season is suitable for a variety of crops, thanks to the USDA zone 9a classification. With 79% of the population being rural, there is ample space for self-sufficient living, though access to resources may require travel. The terrain is generally flat, making it easier to manage agricultural activities.

Natural hazards present notable risks, with earthquakes ranked at 93 and tornadoes at 84 on the FEMA scale, indicating a significant likelihood of these events. The area also faces risks from landslides and cold waves, which can impact daily life and preparedness efforts. While the cost of living is relatively low, with a median home price of $112,700, the higher violence percentile at 86 suggests that safety may be a concern for some residents.

This county may be a good fit for individuals or families looking for an affordable rural lifestyle and who are prepared for the potential natural hazards. Those with a strong focus on agriculture and self-sufficiency can thrive here, given the favorable growing conditions. However, individuals seeking urban amenities or a lower risk of natural disasters may find this area less suitable, particularly due to the high risk of earthquakes and tornadoes.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #2,432 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#59 of 95 in TN
Ranked #59 of 95 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: earthquake
FEMA ranks earthquake risk at 93/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
38.2 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 60.5°F annual mean and 56.3" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $112,700.

Score Breakdown

Violence
92
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
63
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
45
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
63
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 76
Drought 51
Earthquake 93
Hail 25
Hurricane 59
Heat Wave 73
Riverine Flood 30
Ice Storm 34
Landslide 79
Lightning 55
Strong Wind 51
Tornado 84
Wildfire 35
Winter Weather 20

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
90.1°F
Winter low
30.1°F
Heating degree days
3,371
Cooling degree days
1,748

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$112,700
Median HH income
$43,566
Price to income
2.6×
Property tax rate
0.69%
~$781/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
40.7
Homeownership
70.6%
Poverty rate
16.1%
Unemployment
12.8%

Connectivity

Broadband households
39%
No internet access
20.8%

Explore Hardeman 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.