Hunt & Live

Robertson County, TN

75,470 residents · 476 sq mi · 158.4/sq mi · 53% rural

Climate
58.4°F
52" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.82
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~18°F

About Robertson County

Robertson County is a county located on the central northern border of Tennessee in the United States. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 72,803. Its seat of government is Springfield. The county was named for James Robertson, an explorer, founder of Nashville, and a state senator, who was often called the "Father of Middle Tennessee." Robertson County is a component of the Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN Metropolitan Statistical Area.

43
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2021 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and suburban convenience, with a population density of 158.4 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by a mean annual temperature of 58.4°F and 52 inches of rainfall per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 8b. However, the potential for natural hazards, including earthquakes and tornadoes, could pose challenges for self-sufficient living, necessitating careful planning and resilient infrastructure.

Natural hazards are a significant concern, with the county ranking high for earthquake risk (FEMA rank 89) and other severe weather events like strong winds and ice storms. The violence percentile is at 63, indicating a moderate level of concern regarding safety. Additionally, the median home price of $271,300 may be a barrier for some prospective homesteaders, especially when combined with the effective property tax rate of 0.55%, which could impact overall affordability.

This county may suit individuals or families looking for a blend of rural and suburban living, particularly those who are prepared for the risks associated with natural disasters. Homesteaders with experience in disaster preparedness and a willingness to invest in infrastructure may thrive here. Conversely, those seeking a completely remote or low-risk environment may find the combination of hazards and population density to be a dealbreaker.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #2,583 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#67 of 95 in TN
Ranked #67 of 95 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: earthquake
FEMA ranks earthquake risk at 89/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 158/sqmi
Densely populated at 158 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 58.4°F annual mean and 52.0" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $271,300.

Score Breakdown

Violence
32
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
60
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
79
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
60.4
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 78
Drought 60
Earthquake 89
Hail 70
Hurricane 33
Heat Wave 65
Riverine Flood 53
Ice Storm 80
Landslide 31
Lightning 60
Strong Wind 84
Tornado 73
Wildfire 24
Winter Weather 32

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
88.9°F
Winter low
28°F
Heating degree days
3,872
Cooling degree days
1,508

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$271,300
Median HH income
$74,440
Price to income
3.6×
Property tax rate
0.55%
~$1,503/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
39.4
Homeownership
76.3%
Poverty rate
10.3%
Unemployment
3.8%

Connectivity

Broadband households
65%
No internet access
12.9%

Explore Robertson 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.