Hunt & Live

Bedford County, TN

51,950 residents · 474 sq mi · 109.7/sq mi · 55% rural

Climate
59.1°F
56.9" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.96
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~18.9°F

About Bedford County

Bedford County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 50,237. Its county seat is Shelbyville. Bedford County comprises the Shelbyville, TN Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro, TN Combined Statistical Area.

45
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1876 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

This area features a mix of rural and suburban landscapes, with a population density of 109.7 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 59.1°F and an average rainfall of 56.9 inches per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 8b. Water availability is favorable due to a humid classification, which could benefit self-sufficient living, though the potential for tornadoes and flooding should be considered when planning.

Natural hazards pose significant risks in this county, with notable threats including tornadoes (FEMA rank 83), earthquakes (FEMA rank 83), and cold waves (FEMA rank 87). The area also has a higher violence percentile of 67 out of 100, indicating potential safety concerns. The median home price is $221,200, which may be a barrier for some, especially considering the median household income of $59,955, suggesting a moderate cost of living relative to income.

This county may be a good fit for individuals or families seeking a rural lifestyle with a focus on agriculture and self-sufficiency. Those comfortable with the risks of natural disasters and who can manage the local economic conditions may thrive here. However, individuals looking for a low-risk environment or higher safety levels may find the area's hazards and violence percentile to be significant dealbreakers.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #2,694 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#74 of 95 in TN
Ranked #74 of 95 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: cold wave
FEMA ranks cold wave risk at 87/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 110/sqmi
Densely populated at 110 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 59.1°F annual mean and 56.9" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $221,200.

Score Breakdown

Violence
24
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
69
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
73
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
69.2
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 87
Drought 58
Earthquake 83
Hail 55
Hurricane 55
Heat Wave 48
Riverine Flood 70
Ice Storm 58
Landslide 29
Lightning 53
Strong Wind 69
Tornado 83
Wildfire 19
Winter Weather 73

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
88.9°F
Winter low
28.9°F
Heating degree days
3,624
Cooling degree days
1,489

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$221,200
Median HH income
$59,955
Price to income
3.7×
Property tax rate
0.54%
~$1,202/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
37.9
Homeownership
70.4%
Poverty rate
12.4%
Unemployment
4.6%

Connectivity

Broadband households
56.5%
No internet access
13.4%

Explore Bedford 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.