Hunt & Live

Bledsoe County, TN

14,798 residents · 407 sq mi · 36.4/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
57.1°F
59.9" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 2.2
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~18.1°F

About Bledsoe County

Bledsoe County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 14,913. Its county seat is Pikeville.

57
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1025 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Bledsoe County features a predominantly rural landscape, with a population density of 36.4 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 57.1°F and a significant annual rainfall of 59.9 inches, supporting a growing season suitable for a variety of crops. However, the area is classified as USDA zone 8b, which may limit some cold-hardy crops. The humid environment and ample rainfall can be advantageous for water supply and agriculture.

Natural hazards pose some risks in this area, with notable concerns including landslides (FEMA rank 75) and cold waves (rank 67). The county also faces earthquake (rank 60) and tornado (rank 55) risks, which could impact long-term sustainability. While the violence percentile is at 46, indicating average safety, the rural nature may limit access to emergency services and resources. Additionally, the median home price of $153,700 may be affordable, but the effective property tax rate of 0.41% should be considered in budgeting.

This county may suit individuals or families seeking a rural lifestyle with a focus on self-sufficiency and agricultural pursuits. Those with experience in managing risks associated with natural hazards could thrive here. However, individuals looking for urban amenities, extensive emergency services, or lower disaster risks may find this location less appealing. The hidden gem is the affordability of housing, while the dealbreaker could be the vulnerability to certain natural disasters.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #805 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#3 in TN
Top 5 counties in Tennessee out of 95.
Dominant hazard: landslide
FEMA ranks landslide risk at 75/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
36.4 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 57.1°F annual mean and 59.9" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $153,700.

Score Breakdown

Violence
60
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
24
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
44
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
24.1
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 67
Drought 55
Earthquake 60
Hail 21
Hurricane 35
Heat Wave 16
Riverine Flood 28
Ice Storm 22
Landslide 75
Lightning 40
Strong Wind 46
Tornado 55
Wildfire 57
Winter Weather 39

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
85.1°F
Winter low
28.1°F
Heating degree days
3,975
Cooling degree days
1,132

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$153,700
Median HH income
$51,783
Price to income
Property tax rate
0.41%
~$630/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
44.6
Homeownership
80.6%
Poverty rate
26%
Unemployment
6.7%

Connectivity

Broadband households
55.8%
No internet access
18.4%

Explore Bledsoe 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.