Hunt & Live

Johnson County, TN

18,086 residents · 298 sq mi · 60.6/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
52.4°F
50.7" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 2.15
Hardiness
Zone 8a
Winter low ~13.8°F

About Johnson County

Johnson County is the easternmost county in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 17,948. Its county seat is Mountain City.

51
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1441 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 60.6 people per square mile, making it relatively spacious. The climate is humid with an annual mean temperature of 52.4°F and an average rainfall of 50.7 inches per year, allowing for a growing season suitable for various crops, particularly in USDA zone 8a. However, the terrain may present challenges, particularly with landslide risk ranked at 91 by FEMA, which could impact self-sufficient living.

Natural hazards pose significant risks in this area, with landslide, cold wave, and wildfire being the most notable threats. The county's violence percentile is 74/100, indicating a higher rate of violence compared to many other areas, which may be a concern for potential residents. Additionally, while the median home price is relatively affordable at $156,400, the overall cost of living could be influenced by local economic conditions and access to broadband, with only 60% of households subscribed.

This area could be a good fit for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with access to farming opportunities, particularly for individuals who are prepared to manage the risks associated with natural hazards. However, those who prioritize safety and high-speed internet access might find the county less appealing. The trade-offs between affordability and potential hazards will determine whether this location is a hidden gem or a dealbreaker for prospective homesteaders.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,798 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#31 of 95 in TN
Ranked #31 of 95 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: landslide
FEMA ranks landslide risk at 91/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
60.6 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 52.4°F annual mean and 50.7" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $156,400.

Score Breakdown

Violence
60
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
28
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
59
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
28.2
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 63
Drought 48
Earthquake 47
Hail 14
Hurricane 51
Heat Wave 2
Riverine Flood 47
Ice Storm 37
Landslide 91
Lightning 48
Strong Wind 36
Tornado 25
Wildfire 55
Winter Weather 30

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
80.8°F
Winter low
23.8°F
Heating degree days
5,065
Cooling degree days
496

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$156,400
Median HH income
$47,571
Price to income
3.3×
Property tax rate
0.41%
~$648/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
46.2
Homeownership
76.2%
Poverty rate
21.6%
Unemployment
4.4%

Connectivity

Broadband households
59.9%
No internet access
22.2%

Explore Johnson 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.