Hunt & Live

Hickman County, TN

25,455 residents · 613 sq mi · 41.6/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
58.6°F
54.6" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.91
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~18°F

About Hickman County

Hickman County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 24,925. Its county seat is Centerville. As of 2023, Hickman County is part of the Nashville–Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN Metropolitan Statistical Area, although it was once removed in 2018.

53
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1299 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural lifestyle with a population density of 41.6 people per square mile, allowing for ample space and privacy. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 58.6°F and significant rainfall of 54.6 inches per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops. The USDA zone 8b indicates potential for diverse gardening, although the humid conditions may also require careful water management.

However, there are notable risks associated with this location. The county ranks high for tornado and earthquake hazards, both at FEMA ranks of 82, indicating a significant risk for these events. Additionally, the area has a relatively high violence percentile of 93, which may raise safety concerns for some individuals. While the median home price is $163,900, the cost of living may still pose challenges for those on a tight budget.

This county may be well-suited for self-sufficient individuals or families seeking a rural lifestyle with room to grow. Those with experience in disaster preparedness and a willingness to adapt to local risks will likely thrive here. Conversely, individuals seeking urban amenities or those uncomfortable with the potential for natural hazards may find this area less appealing.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #2,291 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#52 of 95 in TN
Ranked #52 of 95 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: tornado
FEMA ranks tornado risk at 82/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
41.6 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 58.6°F annual mean and 54.6" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $163,900.

Score Breakdown

Violence
46
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
47
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
48
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
47.2
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 58
Drought 36
Earthquake 82
Hail 5
Hurricane 30
Heat Wave 44
Riverine Flood 47
Ice Storm 48
Landslide 65
Lightning 37
Strong Wind 50
Tornado 82
Wildfire 12
Winter Weather 20

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
88.6°F
Winter low
28°F
Heating degree days
3,732
Cooling degree days
1,443

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$163,900
Median HH income
$54,669
Price to income
Property tax rate
0.6%
~$987/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
41.8
Homeownership
79.4%
Poverty rate
14.3%
Unemployment
3.7%

Connectivity

Broadband households
44%
No internet access
22.6%

Explore Hickman 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.