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

Fayette County Disaster Risk

Fayette County, Alabama

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

38th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#54

of 67 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

41th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 41% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 28% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 65% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 64% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 64% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Fayette County, Alabama

Fayette Ranks Among America's Safest

Fayette County scores just 38.17 with a Very Low risk rating, making it substantially safer than the national average across most natural disaster categories. The county's low exposure to floods, wildfires, and tornadoes reflects its inland, rural location away from major hazard corridors.

Alabama's Lowest-Risk County

At 38.17, Fayette's composite score ranks it as Alabama's safest county by far, less than two-thirds the state average of 61.54. The county faces minimal hazard exposure compared to nearly all other Alabama regions.

Safest in Its Region by Wide Margin

Fayette's 38.17 score makes it dramatically safer than neighboring DeKalb (80.38), Etowah (87.34), and Franklin (67.72)—often by 40+ points. Only Greene County (29.29) approaches Fayette's low-risk profile in northwest Alabama.

Tornado Risk Dominates Minor Threats

Tornado risk at 65.24 is Fayette's highest hazard, though still well below state averages and representing manageable seasonal vigilance rather than acute peril. All other hazards—earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and wildfires—score below 65, making Fayette one of Alabama's most naturally resilient counties.

Standard Coverage Provides Solid Protection

Fayette residents benefit from low natural disaster exposure, meaning a standard homeowners policy offers adequate protection for most households without specialized add-ons. A weather radio and basic tornado safety knowledge remain prudent precautions, but Fayette's overall risk profile allows families to focus resources on other priorities.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Fayette County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    65th percentile
  2. #2
    HurricanePrepare
    64th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    64th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Fayette County

Risk Verdict

Fayette County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 38th percentile nationally. At the 38th percentile, Fayette County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Fayette County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 65th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 64th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (64th percentile), flood (41th percentile), wildfire (28th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Tornado risk is Fayette County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 65th percentile nationally. For Fayette 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. Alongside tornado exposure, hurricane at the 64th percentile nationally means Fayette County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Fayette County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.

Regional Context

The Alabama county average exceeds Fayette County's score by 23.4 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.

Is your household prepared for Fayette 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 Fayette County, AL?
Fayette County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 38th 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 Fayette County?
Fayette County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (65th percentile), hurricane (64th percentile), earthquake (64th percentile), flooding (41th percentile), wildfire (28th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 65th 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 Fayette County risk compare to the Alabama average?
Fayette County's composite risk percentile is 38th, compared to the Alabama state average of 62th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Fayette County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Alabama.
Is Fayette County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Fayette County's tornado risk is at the 65th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Fayette County is at the 41th 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 Fayette County a safe place to live?
Fayette County's composite risk score of 38th 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 65th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Hale County

Alabama

+0.9

Very Low

39th percentile

Bibb County

Alabama

+1.0

Very Low

39th percentile

Wilcox County

Alabama

-1.5

Very Low

37th percentile

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.

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