Alabama natural disaster risk
Alabama ranks #29 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are tornado, lightning, heat wave.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Alabama's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson County | 667,755 | 97.6 | Relatively High |
| Mobile County | 412,590 | 98.0 | Relatively High |
| Madison County | 405,718 | 94.6 | Relatively High |
| Baldwin County | 246,989 | 96.7 | Relatively High |
| Tuscaloosa County | 237,552 | 90.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Shelby County | 230,211 | 90.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Montgomery County | 226,718 | 91.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Lee County | 181,134 | 79.7 | Relatively Low |
| Morgan County | 124,471 | 88.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Calhoun County | 116,090 | 88.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Limestone County | 111,233 | 80.0 | Relatively Low |
| Houston County | 108,140 | 87.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Etowah County | 103,105 | 87.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Marshall County | 99,748 | 87.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Lauderdale County | 95,830 | 85.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| St. Clair County | 94,166 | 72.1 | Relatively Low |
| Cullman County | 90,566 | 81.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Elmore County | 89,526 | 72.2 | Relatively Low |
| Talladega County | 81,021 | 84.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| DeKalb County | 72,269 | 80.4 | Relatively Low |
| Walker County | 64,841 | 82.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Autauga County | 59,947 | 57.6 | Relatively Low |
| Blount County | 59,518 | 68.5 | Relatively Low |
| Russell County | 58,811 | 54.7 | Relatively Low |
| Colbert County | 58,022 | 80.7 | Relatively Low |
County scores are averages, and the insurance figure above is what owners with a mortgage reported paying in 2024 (Census American Community Survey); premiums have risen since, especially in high-risk areas. For a specific home, check the address on FEMA's flood map and get insurance quotes before you commit. Our guide explains how to check natural disaster risk before you move.
Lowest-risk counties in Alabama
- Randolph County 30.6
- Bibb County 39.1
- Pike County 44.0
- Chambers County 47.2
- Barbour County 48.1
- Geneva County 53.4
- Clarke County 53.4
- Russell County 54.7
Cities in Alabama
- Birmingham, AL risk 89.2
- Huntsville, AL risk 91.5
- Columbus, GA risk 63.7
- Daphne, AL risk 96.7
Frequently asked questions
Is Alabama safe from natural disasters?
Alabama's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 82.7 out of 100 (among the highest of U.S. counties), #29 of 51 from safest. About 34% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Alabama?
The highest relative risks in Alabama are tornado, lightning, heat wave (national percentile scores 90, 87, 84).
Where is the safest place to live in Alabama?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Randolph County, Bibb County, Pike County.