Hunt & Live

Jackson County, TN

11,989 residents · 309 sq mi · 38.8/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
58.2°F
54.9" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.94
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~17.7°F

About Jackson County

Jackson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. The population was 11,617 at the 2020 census. Its county seat is Gainesboro. Jackson is part of the Cookeville Micropolitan Statistical Area.

57
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1038 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural environment with a population density of 38.8 people per square mile, allowing for ample space and privacy. The climate features a mild annual mean temperature of 58.2°F, with a growing season supported by 54.9 inches of rainfall per year. USDA zone 8b indicates suitable conditions for a variety of crops, though the potential for natural hazards such as landslides should be considered when planning for self-sufficient living.

The county faces several natural hazards, including a FEMA rank of 64 for landslides and ranks of 54 and 53 for hail and tornadoes, respectively. While the area has a relatively low violence percentile of 59, indicating a moderate safety level, the disaster percentile at 22 suggests a higher risk of natural events. Additionally, the median home price of $126,100 is relatively affordable, but the median household income of $42,357 indicates that financial constraints could be a concern for some residents.

This county may be a good fit for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with opportunities for gardening and homesteading, particularly for individuals who can manage the risks associated with natural hazards. Those with limited financial resources or a preference for urban amenities may find it challenging here. A potential dealbreaker for homesteaders could be the risk of land instability from landslides, while the affordable housing market could be a hidden gem for those looking to invest in rural living.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,069 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#9 of 95 in TN
Ranked #9 of 95 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: landslide
FEMA ranks landslide risk at 64/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
38.8 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 58.2°F annual mean and 54.9" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $126,100.

Score Breakdown

Violence
60
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
22
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
46
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
22.5
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 40
Drought 25
Earthquake 47
Hail 54
Hurricane 25
Heat Wave 24
Riverine Flood 37
Ice Storm 39
Landslide 64
Lightning 50
Strong Wind 48
Tornado 53
Wildfire 7
Winter Weather 48

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
88.5°F
Winter low
27.7°F
Heating degree days
3,836
Cooling degree days
1,399

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$126,100
Median HH income
$42,357
Price to income
Property tax rate
0.54%
~$685/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
47.3
Homeownership
83%
Poverty rate
19.7%
Unemployment
7.2%

Connectivity

Broadband households
61.6%
No internet access
24.4%

Explore Jackson 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.