Tipton County, TN
61,656 residents · 456 sq mi · 135.3/sq mi · 67% rural
About Tipton County
Tipton County is a county located on the western end of the U.S. state of Tennessee, in the Mississippi Delta region. As of the 2020 census, the population was 60,970. Its county seat is Covington. Tipton County, founded in 1823, is part of the Memphis, TN-MS-AR Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Prepper Assessment
Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and accessibility, with 67% of the population classified as rural. The climate is characterized by a warm humid subtropical environment, with an annual mean temperature of 61.0°F and an average rainfall of 54.4 inches. The growing season is ample, making it suitable for diverse agricultural pursuits. However, the region's vulnerability to natural hazards, such as earthquakes and tornadoes, could complicate self-sufficient living efforts.
The county faces notable risks, particularly from earthquakes (FEMA rank 96) and tornadoes (93), which pose significant threats to safety and property. The area also experiences ice storms (91) and heat waves (90), which can disrupt daily life and agricultural activities. While the cost of living is relatively moderate, with a median home price of $203,500, the population density at 135.3 people per square mile may impact the sense of remoteness that some homesteaders prefer.
This county may suit individuals or families who are prepared for the challenges of living in a disaster-prone area and who can adapt to a more suburban setting with some rural characteristics. Those seeking a truly remote homestead experience may find the population density and associated risks less appealing. A hidden gem for homesteaders could be the relatively low effective property tax rate of 0.55%, which may allow for more investment in self-sufficiency projects.