Hunt & Live

Morgan County, TN

21,224 residents · 522 sq mi · 40.6/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
56.2°F
57.9" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 2.19
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~16.9°F

About Morgan County

Morgan County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 21,035. Its county seat is Wartburg. Morgan County is part of the Knoxville, TN Combined Statistical Area.

58
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #999 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural experience with a population density of 40.6 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by a humid subtropical environment, with an annual mean temperature of 56.2°F and an average of 57.9 inches of rainfall per year. The USDA hardiness zone is 8b, providing a suitable growing season for a variety of crops. However, the region's terrain may present challenges, particularly with notable hazards such as landslides and winter weather events.

The county faces several natural hazards, with landslides ranked at a FEMA risk of 84, indicating a significant concern for residents. Other risks include cold waves (65), wildfires (64), and winter weather (59), which could impact self-sufficiency efforts. While the area has a lower violence percentile of 25, suggesting safety, the overall disaster percentile of 19 highlights potential risks that should be considered. Additionally, while the median home price is relatively affordable at $133,000, the economic landscape may not support high income growth given the median household income of $51,971.

This county may be a good fit for individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with a focus on self-sufficiency, particularly those who can manage the risks associated with natural hazards. Gardeners and small-scale farmers would likely thrive here, benefiting from the favorable climate and growing conditions. However, those unprepared for the potential impacts of landslides or severe winter weather may find it challenging. Additionally, individuals seeking urban amenities or higher economic opportunities may find this area lacking.

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

Key Facts

Top 15% nationally
National prepper rank: #451 of 3,109.
#1 in TN
The highest-scoring county in Tennessee for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: landslide
FEMA ranks landslide risk at 84/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
40.6 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 56.2°F annual mean and 57.9" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $133,000.

Score Breakdown

Violence
60
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
19
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
47
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
19.1
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 65
Drought 25
Earthquake 58
Hail 12
Hurricane 33
Heat Wave 5
Riverine Flood 26
Ice Storm 34
Landslide 85
Lightning 41
Strong Wind 55
Tornado 39
Wildfire 64
Winter Weather 59

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
85°F
Winter low
26.9°F
Heating degree days
4,219
Cooling degree days
1,039

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$133,000
Median HH income
$51,971
Price to income
2.6×
Property tax rate
0.63%
~$840/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
41.6
Homeownership
81.5%
Poverty rate
20.9%
Unemployment
8.4%

Connectivity

Broadband households
64.4%
No internet access
17%

Explore Morgan 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.