Hunt & Live

Perry County, TN

8,685 residents · 415 sq mi · 20.9/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
59.2°F
55.8" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.91
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~18.6°F

About Perry County

Perry County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 8,366, with an average population density of 20.2 persons per square mile, making it the least densely populated county in Tennessee. Its county seat and largest town is Linden. The county is named after American naval commander and War of 1812 hero Oliver Hazard Perry.

59
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #936 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in Perry County offers a predominantly rural experience with a low population density of 20.9 people per square mile, providing ample space for self-sufficient living. The climate is humid, with an annual mean temperature of 59.2°F and an average rainfall of 55.8 inches, supporting a growing season suitable for a variety of crops in USDA zone 8b. The terrain may present challenges for some, but the natural resources available can be advantageous for those prepared to utilize them.

The county faces several natural hazards, including a notable risk for earthquakes (FEMA rank 72) and landslides (rank 66), which could be significant concerns for residents. Tornadoes (rank 60) and riverine flooding (rank 47) also pose risks, while the area has a higher violence percentile (71/100), indicating potential safety issues. The cost of living is relatively low, with median home prices at $122,900 and a property tax rate of 0.56%, but broadband access is limited, with only 37% of households subscribed.

Perry County may be a good fit for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle and who are prepared for the risks associated with natural hazards. Individuals with self-sufficient skills and a readiness to engage with the local environment would likely thrive here. However, those who prioritize urban amenities, high-speed internet access, or who are not equipped to manage the potential hazards may find this county less suitable for their needs.

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

Key Facts

Ranked #1,193 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#12 of 95 in TN
Ranked #12 of 95 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: earthquake
FEMA ranks earthquake risk at 72/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Sparse population
20.9 people per square mile — well below the CONUS average.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 59.2°F annual mean and 55.8" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $122,900.

Score Breakdown

Violence
60
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
33
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
29
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
33.4
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 57
Drought 28
Earthquake 73
Hail 6
Hurricane 42
Heat Wave 31
Riverine Flood 47
Ice Storm 23
Landslide 66
Lightning 31
Strong Wind 35
Tornado 60
Wildfire 8
Winter Weather 9

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
89.1°F
Winter low
28.6°F
Heating degree days
3,602
Cooling degree days
1,530

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$122,900
Median HH income
$55,978
Price to income
2.2×
Property tax rate
0.56%
~$693/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
42.8
Homeownership
76.2%
Poverty rate
14.2%
Unemployment
10.9%

Connectivity

Broadband households
37.1%
No internet access
22.9%

Explore Perry 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.