Hunt & Live

Lawrence County, TN

45,415 residents · 617 sq mi · 73.6/sq mi · 74% rural

Climate
58.8°F
58.2" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 2.03
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~18.6°F

About Lawrence County

Lawrence County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee, in the southwestern part of Middle Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 44,159. Its county seat and largest city is Lawrenceburg. Lawrence County comprises the Lawrenceburg, TN Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro, TN Combined Statistical Area.

35
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2466 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and a humid subtropical climate, with an annual mean temperature of 58.8°F and significant rainfall of 58.2 inches per year. The growing season is favorable for diverse crops, given its USDA zone 8b designation. However, the terrain may present challenges for some, as it is primarily rural with a population density of 73.6 people per square mile, which could limit access to resources and community support for self-sufficient living.

The county faces notable natural hazards, with tornadoes and lightning ranked at FEMA scores of 91, indicating a high risk. Additionally, earthquakes are a concern with a rank of 89, while cold waves and strong winds present further challenges. The area has a relatively high violence percentile of 81, suggesting safety may be a concern for some residents. The median home price of $156,500 is reasonable, but the cost of living may fluctuate based on local economic conditions.

This location may suit individuals or families who are comfortable with rural living and can manage the risks associated with severe weather events. Those who thrive in self-sufficient lifestyles, particularly with a focus on agriculture, might find it a good fit. Conversely, individuals seeking a more urban environment or lower natural hazard risks may find this county less appealing, with the potential for severe weather being a significant dealbreaker for many homesteaders.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #2,762 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#79 of 95 in TN
Ranked #79 of 95 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: tornado
FEMA ranks tornado risk at 91/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
73.6 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 58.8°F annual mean and 58.2" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $156,500.

Score Breakdown

Violence
61
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
70
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
64
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
69.7
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 84
Drought 31
Earthquake 89
Hail 21
Hurricane 55
Heat Wave 56
Riverine Flood 57
Ice Storm 58
Landslide 40
Lightning 91
Strong Wind 60
Tornado 91
Wildfire 14
Winter Weather 57

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
88.6°F
Winter low
28.6°F
Heating degree days
3,643
Cooling degree days
1,429

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$156,500
Median HH income
$51,038
Price to income
3.1×
Property tax rate
0.58%
~$912/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
39
Homeownership
75.4%
Poverty rate
16.1%
Unemployment
6.3%

Connectivity

Broadband households
53.7%
No internet access
17.9%

Explore Lawrence 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.