Hunt & Live

Maury County, TN

108,159 residents · 613 sq mi · 176.4/sq mi · 38% rural

Climate
58.8°F
55.4" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.92
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~18.4°F

About Maury County

Maury County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee, in the Middle Tennessee region. As of the 2020 census, the population was 100,974. Its county seat is Columbia. Maury County is part of the Nashville metropolitan area.

33
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2556 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a mix of rural and suburban experiences, with a population density of 176.4 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by a humid subtropical environment, with an annual mean temperature of 58.8°F and ample rainfall at 55.4 inches per year. The growing season is relatively long, supported by USDA zone 8b. However, the terrain can vary, and access to reliable water sources may be a consideration for self-sufficient living.

This county faces several notable natural hazards, including a high risk of tornadoes (FEMA rank 94) and strong winds (rank 92), which could impact safety and property. Earthquakes (rank 90) and cold weather events like ice storms (rank 82) also pose risks. The population density percentile of 81 indicates a moderately populated area, which may affect the sense of remoteness and privacy that some homesteaders seek. Additionally, the median home price of $273,400 may present challenges for budget-conscious individuals.

This area may be suitable for those who appreciate a balance of rural and suburban living, with reasonable access to amenities. Individuals with resilience to natural hazards and a willingness to invest in their homestead may thrive here. However, those seeking extreme remoteness or lower housing costs might find this county less appealing. The relatively long growing season could be a hidden gem for aspiring gardeners and small-scale farmers.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #2,815 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#81 of 95 in TN
Ranked #81 of 95 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: tornado
FEMA ranks tornado risk at 94/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 176/sqmi
Densely populated at 176 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 58.8°F annual mean and 55.4" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $273,400.

Score Breakdown

Violence
40
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
79
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
81
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
79.3
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 87
Drought 29
Earthquake 90
Hail 9
Hurricane 38
Heat Wave 61
Riverine Flood 75
Ice Storm 82
Landslide 51
Lightning 57
Strong Wind 92
Tornado 94
Wildfire 33
Winter Weather 72

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
89.2°F
Winter low
28.4°F
Heating degree days
3,690
Cooling degree days
1,480

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$273,400
Median HH income
$71,500
Price to income
3.8×
Property tax rate
0.51%
~$1,408/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
39.4
Homeownership
72%
Poverty rate
8.9%
Unemployment
2.5%

Connectivity

Broadband households
72.6%
No internet access
8.9%

Explore Maury 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.