Butler County Disaster Risk
Butler County, Alabama
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
45th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#48
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
36th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Butler County, Alabama
Butler ranks low on national disaster scale
Butler County's composite risk score of 45.17 places it in the Relatively Low category nationally. The county benefits from its inland position and distance from major earthquake zones, though some hazards remain present.
Below-average risk for Alabama
Butler's 45.17 score sits well below Alabama's state average of 61.54, making it one of the state's safer counties. The southern location exposes it to hurricane effects, but flood and wildfire risks remain manageable.
Butler safer than some, riskier than others
Butler (45.17) has lower risk than Autauga (57.57) and Barbour (48.12) but higher than Bibb (39.12) and Bullock (25.25). Its south-central position places it in Alabama's moderate-risk band, with balanced hazard exposure.
Hurricane and tornado risks lead threats
Hurricane risk of 85.86 is Butler's highest exposure, reflecting the county's southern position and tropical system vulnerability. Tornado risk of 67.24 represents the secondary concern, while flood (36.13) and wildfire (31.08) risks remain relatively low.
Storm coverage and basic prep matter
Butler homeowners should ensure wind and hail coverage for tropical system impacts and tornado events. Flood insurance is optional for most properties but recommended for those in or near mapped floodplains in this moderate-risk county.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Butler County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Butler County
Risk Verdict
At the 45th percentile nationally, Butler County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Even at the 45th percentile, Butler County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Butler County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 67th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (53th percentile), flood (36th percentile), wildfire (31th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Butler County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 86th percentile nationally. Having a designated out-of-area contact, a pre-packed go-bag with medications and documents, and a confirmed evacuation route reduces decision-making load when a storm intensifies rapidly. Tornado at the 67th percentile nationally is Butler County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Butler County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.
Regional Context
Compared to the Alabama county average, Butler County's composite score runs 16.4 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Butler County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Butler County, AL?
What types of natural hazards affect Butler County?
How does Butler County risk compare to the Alabama average?
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Is Butler 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.