Blount County Disaster Risk
Blount County, Alabama
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
68th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#31
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
69th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Blount County, Alabama
Blount faces moderate national risk profile
Blount County's composite risk score of 68.48 ranks it as Relatively Low compared to high-risk counties nationwide, though above the national median. The county's northern location exposes it to severe tornadoes and flooding but shields it from coastal hurricanes.
Mid-tier risk within Alabama
Blount's 68.48 score exceeds Alabama's state average of 61.54, placing it in the upper-middle range of state risk. The county experiences more tornado and earthquake exposure than southern Alabama counties but less hurricane risk.
Blount faces higher tornado and flood risks
Blount (68.48) has elevated hazard exposure compared to nearby Bibb (39.12) and Autauga (57.57), primarily driven by tornado risk of 92.02. Its northern elevation and geography make it more vulnerable to severe convective storms than central counties.
Tornadoes dominate Blount's hazard landscape
Tornado risk peaks at 92.02—one of the state's highest—reflecting Blount's position in Alabama's tornado-prone northwest. Flood risk of 69.47 adds secondary concern, as heavy rains from storms can overwhelm local waterways.
Invest in tornado safety measures
Blount homeowners should prioritize a designated safe room or basement shelter for tornado events and maintain comprehensive wind and hail coverage. Flood insurance is strongly recommended for properties near streams or in mapped floodplains, given the county's moderate flood risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Blount County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Blount County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 68th, Blount County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Blount County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 73th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (69th percentile), wildfire (65th percentile), hurricane (63th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 92th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Blount County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Alongside tornado exposure, earthquake at the 73th percentile nationally means Blount County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Blount County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
At 6.9 points above the Alabama state average, Blount County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Alabama county.
Is your household prepared for Blount County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Blount County, AL?
What types of natural hazards affect Blount County?
How does Blount County risk compare to the Alabama average?
Is Blount County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Blount County higher risk than average?
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.