Hunt & Live

Grundy County, TN

13,783 residents · 360 sq mi · 38.2/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
56.5°F
62.3" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 2.33
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~17.6°F

About Grundy County

Grundy County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is located in Middle Tennessee, bordering East Tennessee. As of 2021, the population was 13,622. Its county seat is Altamont. The county is named in honor of Felix Grundy.

43
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2015 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in Grundy County offers a predominantly rural experience, with a low population density of 38.2 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by a mild annual mean temperature of 56.5°F and ample rainfall at 62.3 inches per year, supporting diverse agricultural opportunities. The growing season is favorable for many crops, and the USDA zone 8b indicates potential for various fruit and vegetable cultivation. However, the area’s humid climate and the risk of cold waves may present challenges for certain crops and livestock management.

This area faces several natural hazards, as indicated by FEMA rankings. Cold waves rank at 75, and tornadoes at 74, which could pose significant risks to infrastructure and personal safety. Additionally, the county has a relatively high violence percentile at 94, suggesting that while the area may be rural, safety concerns should be evaluated. With a median home price of $126,400 and a low effective property tax rate of 0.45%, the cost of living is relatively manageable, but potential residents should weigh these risks carefully.

Grundy County could be a good fit for individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with a focus on self-sufficiency. Those who thrive here will likely appreciate the community's rural character and the opportunity to engage in agriculture. However, potential residents should be cautious if they are not equipped to handle the risks associated with severe weather and the local violence percentile. The hidden gem may be the affordable housing market, while the dealbreaker could be the area's susceptibility to cold waves and tornadoes.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #2,035 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#40 of 95 in TN
Ranked #40 of 95 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: cold wave
FEMA ranks cold wave risk at 75/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
38.2 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 56.5°F annual mean and 62.3" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $126,400.

Score Breakdown

Violence
92
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
34
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
46
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
34.3
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 75
Drought 52
Earthquake 64
Hail 25
Hurricane 45
Heat Wave 6
Riverine Flood 29
Ice Storm 35
Landslide 63
Lightning 26
Strong Wind 57
Tornado 75
Wildfire 56
Winter Weather 59

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
84.3°F
Winter low
27.6°F
Heating degree days
4,083
Cooling degree days
1,028

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$126,400
Median HH income
$47,948
Price to income
2.6×
Property tax rate
0.45%
~$565/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
43.1
Homeownership
83.6%
Poverty rate
18.2%
Unemployment
6.3%

Connectivity

Broadband households
66.1%
No internet access
20%

Explore Grundy 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.