Barbour County Disaster Risk
Barbour County, Alabama
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
48th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#45
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
51th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Barbour County, Alabama
Barbour at lower-than-average risk nationally
Barbour County's composite risk score of 48.12 ranks it as Relatively Low compared to national averages. The county avoids extreme exposure to most major hazards, though tornado and hurricane risks remain noteworthy.
Among Alabama's safest counties
Barbour's 48.12 score sits notably below Alabama's state average of 61.54, placing it in the lower-risk tier statewide. This central-eastern location keeps it beyond the coast's hurricane reach and away from Alabama's most seismically active zones.
Barbour safer than most nearby counties
Barbour (48.12) has lower risk than neighboring Blount County (68.48) and Autauga County (57.57), though it faces similar tornado exposure. Its relative safety makes it an attractive comparison point within the region's mid-risk landscape.
Tornadoes and hurricanes are primary concerns
Tornado risk of 78.63 and hurricane risk of 79.97 represent Barbour's highest hazard exposures, reflecting the county's inland position within Alabama's storm-prone corridor. Flood risk of 50.76 remains moderate and manageable with proper planning.
Prioritize storm and wind protection
Barbour residents should ensure their homeowners insurance includes wind and hail coverage for tornado events, and consider a safe room or basement shelter. Flood insurance is advisable for properties in or near mapped floodplains, though risk is lower than coastal areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Barbour County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Barbour County
Risk Verdict
Barbour County's FEMA risk score places it at the 48th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A 48th percentile score positions Barbour County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Barbour County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 80th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 79th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (54th percentile), flood (51th percentile), wildfire (49th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With hurricane ranked at the 80th percentile nationally, Barbour County sits in a zone where multi-day supply readiness matters: grid outages after landfalling storms can last one to three weeks in heavily affected areas. Tornado, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 79th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Barbour County independent of hurricane season. Insurance gaps are the most common post-hurricane financial shock: standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood damage and may have a separate wind deductible. Barbour County households benefit from a pre-season insurance review confirming both wind and flood coverage.
Regional Context
At 13.4 points below the Alabama state average, Barbour County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Barbour County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Barbour County, AL?
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How does Barbour County risk compare to the Alabama average?
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Is Barbour County a safe place to live?
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.