riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Autauga County Disaster Risk

Autauga County, Alabama

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

58th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#37

of 67 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

66th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 66% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 46% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 74% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 68% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 72% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Autauga County, Alabama

Autauga scores below national average

With a composite risk score of 57.57, Autauga County ranks as Relatively Low compared to the national average. This means the county faces fewer natural disaster threats than most U.S. counties, though residents should remain prepared for localized hazards.

Safer than most Alabama counties

Autauga's 57.57 score sits well below Alabama's state average of 61.54, placing it in the lower half of natural disaster risk across the state. The county benefits from its central location, away from the hurricane-prone coast and severe earthquake zones.

Autauga's risk profile among neighbors

Autauga (57.57) faces less risk than nearby Blount County (68.48) to the north but slightly more than Bibb County (39.12) to the west. The variation reflects differences in tornado exposure and flood vulnerability across the region's geography.

Tornadoes and hurricanes pose top threats

Tornado risk ranks highest at 74.11, reflecting Alabama's position in tornado alley—residents should have a safe room plan. Hurricane risk of 72.09 also matters: while not coastal, tropical systems can bring heavy rains and strong winds inland to Autauga.

Get covered for wind and water damage

Autauga homeowners should prioritize wind and hail coverage to protect against tornadoes and storm damage. Consider flood insurance as well, especially if your property lies near streams or low-lying areas, since these events can occur multiple times per year.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Autauga County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    74th percentile
  2. #2
    HurricanePrepare
    72th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    68th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Autauga County

Risk Verdict

Autauga County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 58th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Autauga County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Autauga County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 72th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (68th percentile), flood (66th percentile), wildfire (46th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Tornado risk is Autauga County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 74th percentile nationally. For Autauga County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. Hurricane is the second hazard driver for Autauga County at the 72th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and hurricane-specific warning systems. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Autauga County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.

Regional Context

At just 4.0 composite points from the Alabama average, Autauga County's natural disaster risk is closely in line with its in-state peers.

Is your household prepared for Autauga County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Autauga County, AL?
Autauga County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 58th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Autauga County?
Autauga County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (74th percentile), hurricane (72th percentile), earthquake (68th percentile), flooding (66th percentile), wildfire (46th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 74th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Autauga County risk compare to the Alabama average?
Autauga County's composite risk percentile is 58th, compared to the Alabama state average of 62th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Autauga County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Alabama.
Is Autauga County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Autauga County's tornado risk is at the 74th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Autauga County is at the 66th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Autauga County a safe place to live?
Autauga County's composite risk score of 58th percentile is below the Alabama state average of 62th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is tornado at the 74th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Data Source

Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.

Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.