Hunt & Live

Moore County, TN

6,742 residents · 129 sq mi · 52.2/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
59°F
59.7" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 2.07
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~19.1°F

About Moore County

Moore County is a county located in the south central part of the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 6,461, making it the third-least populous county in Tennessee. It forms a consolidated city-county government with its county seat of Lynchburg. At 130 square miles (340 km2), it is the second-smallest county in Tennessee, behind only Trousdale. The county was created in 1871, during the Reconstruction era. Moore County is part of the Tullahoma-Manchester, TN Micropolitan Statistical Area.

59
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #975 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural lifestyle with a population density of 52.2 people per square mile, providing ample space for self-sufficient living. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 59.0°F and a substantial rainfall of 59.7 inches per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 8b. However, the humid environment may require careful management of water resources, particularly during peak summer temperatures that can reach highs of 88.2°F.

Natural hazards pose notable risks in this region, with tornadoes ranked 50 and earthquakes at 48 on the FEMA hazard scale. The area also faces challenges from landslides, ice storms, and cold waves, which may affect agricultural activities and infrastructure. While the violence percentile is relatively high at 96, indicating a lower risk of violent crime, the overall disaster percentile of 10 suggests that the county is less prone to severe disasters. Additionally, the median home price of $256,700 may be a barrier for some prospective homesteaders.

This county is likely a good fit for those who value rural living and can manage the risks associated with natural hazards. Individuals who thrive in a self-sufficient lifestyle and are prepared for potential weather challenges may find the area appealing. However, those seeking a more robust community infrastructure or extensive broadband access—only 35% of households are subscribed—might find this location less suitable for their needs.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,788 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#28 of 95 in TN
Ranked #28 of 95 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: tornado
FEMA ranks tornado risk at 50/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
52.2 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 59.0°F annual mean and 59.7" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $256,700.

Score Breakdown

Violence
60
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
10
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
55
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
9.9
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 33
Drought 27
Earthquake 48
Hail 12
Hurricane 33
Heat Wave 17
Riverine Flood 19
Ice Storm 34
Landslide 41
Lightning 11
Strong Wind 27
Tornado 51
Wildfire 2
Winter Weather 25

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
88.2°F
Winter low
29.1°F
Heating degree days
3,608
Cooling degree days
1,440

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$256,700
Median HH income
$69,250
Price to income
3.7×
Property tax rate
0.46%
~$1,188/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
46.4
Homeownership
84.4%
Poverty rate
9.9%
Unemployment
4.2%

Connectivity

Broadband households
35.2%
No internet access
20.1%

Explore Moore County Further

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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.