Tennessee natural disaster risk
Tennessee ranks #19 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are earthquake, tornado, cold wave.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Tennessee's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelby County | 919,173 | 99.4 | Relatively High |
| Davidson County | 715,388 | 97.2 | Relatively High |
| Knox County | 494,148 | 92.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hamilton County | 376,192 | 93.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Rutherford County | 360,646 | 91.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Williamson County | 260,351 | 85.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Montgomery County | 234,153 | 87.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Sumner County | 204,424 | 87.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Sullivan County | 160,624 | 71.5 | Relatively Low |
| Wilson County | 158,805 | 80.0 | Relatively Low |
| Blount County | 139,333 | 74.2 | Relatively Low |
| Washington County | 136,261 | 61.2 | Relatively Low |
| Bradley County | 111,065 | 73.4 | Relatively Low |
| Maury County | 107,791 | 79.3 | Relatively Low |
| Sevier County | 99,652 | 77.4 | Relatively Low |
| Madison County | 99,295 | 92.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Putnam County | 82,558 | 65.8 | Relatively Low |
| Anderson County | 79,153 | 73.2 | Relatively Low |
| Robertson County | 75,539 | 60.4 | Relatively Low |
| Greene County | 71,628 | 56.3 | Relatively Low |
| Hamblen County | 65,669 | 47.1 | Relatively Low |
| Cumberland County | 63,553 | 67.2 | Relatively Low |
| Tipton County | 61,553 | 81.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| Coffee County | 59,710 | 63.5 | Relatively Low |
| Loudon County | 58,580 | 68.4 | 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 Tennessee
- Union County 12.9
- Grainger County 18.6
- Smith County 18.8
- Morgan County 19.1
- Overton County 22.2
- DeKalb County 25.5
- Scott County 26.1
- Macon County 34.6
Cities in Tennessee
- Nashville, TN risk 84.9
- Memphis, TN risk 92.9
- Knoxville, TN risk 78.2
- Chattanooga, TN risk 82.3
- Clarksville, TN risk 81.4
Frequently asked questions
Is Tennessee safe from natural disasters?
Tennessee's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 77.8 out of 100 (above average for U.S. counties), #19 of 51 from safest. About 24% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Tennessee?
The highest relative risks in Tennessee are earthquake, tornado, cold wave (national percentile scores 90, 84, 82).
Where is the safest place to live in Tennessee?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Union County, Grainger County, Smith County.