Dale County Disaster Risk
Dale County, Alabama
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
68th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#32
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
61th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Dale County, Alabama
Dale's Risk Moderately Above National
Dale County scores 67.75 on composite risk, earning a Relatively Low rating but exceeding the national average. This position reflects elevated tornado and hurricane exposure that demands household preparedness despite the moderate classification.
Mid-Range Risk Among Alabama Counties
Dale's 67.75 score sits above Alabama's 61.54 state average by about 6 points, placing it in the moderate-risk tier statewide. The gap suggests residents face somewhat greater hazard exposure than the typical Alabama county.
Riskier Than Southern Peers, Safer Than North
Dale (67.75) faces higher composite risk than Crenshaw (34.38) and Conecuh (31.11) to the south, but less than Covington (82.44) nearby. Compared to northern counties like Cullman (81.93), Dale's exposure is notably more contained.
Tornadoes and Hurricanes Dominate Threats
Tornado risk scores 87.91, among Alabama's highest, while hurricane exposure ranks second at 89.28, reflecting Dale's southern position near Gulf systems. Floods (61.01) pose a secondary concern across low-lying and river-adjacent areas.
Tornado and Hurricane Coverage Critical
The combined 87.91 tornado and 89.28 hurricane scores make wind damage coverage non-negotiable in your homeowners policy. Secure separate flood insurance immediately, and maintain a household disaster kit with supplies for rapid evacuation during tornado and hurricane season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Dale County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Dale County
Risk Verdict
Dale County ranks at the 68th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Dale County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 88th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (61th percentile), earthquake (49th percentile), wildfire (45th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Dale County ranks at the 89th percentile nationally for hurricane risk. For coastal counties, wind-resistant shutters or impact-rated windows represent the highest single structural investment for reducing property damage. Dale County's tornado exposure at the 88th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For extended post-storm outages common in Dale County's hurricane zone, a portable generator (operated outdoors only) and a supply of non-perishable food for at least seven days provides meaningful household resilience.
Regional Context
Compared to other Alabama counties, Dale County runs 6.2 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Dale County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Dale County, AL?
What types of natural hazards affect Dale County?
How does Dale County risk compare to the Alabama average?
Is Dale County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Dale 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.