Greene County Disaster Risk
Greene County, Alabama
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
29th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#60
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
33th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Greene County, Alabama
Greene County's Risk Among America's Lowest
Greene County scores just 29.29 with a Very Low risk rating, making it one of the safest counties nationally across nearly all natural disaster categories. The county's low exposure to floods, wildfires, and tornadoes reflects its remote, inland location far from major hazard zones.
Alabama's Second-Safest County
At 29.29, Greene's composite score ranks it as Alabama's second-safest county after Fayette (38.17), well below the state average of 61.54. The county faces minimal hazard exposure compared to virtually all other Alabama regions.
Substantially Safer Than Regional Peers
Greene's 29.29 score makes it dramatically safer than all nearby counties, including Fayette (38.17), Elmore (72.17), and Etowah (87.34). The county's very low risk across all hazard categories represents exceptional natural resilience among Alabama's 67 counties.
Earthquake Exposure Leads Minor Threats
Earthquake risk at 62.60 is Greene's highest hazard, though still well below state averages and representing modest regional seismic activity. Tornado exposure at 53.47 ranks second, but all other hazards—floods, wildfires, and hurricanes—score below 64, making Greene one of Alabama's most naturally resilient counties.
Minimal Specialized Coverage Typically Needed
Greene County's very low disaster risk means a standard homeowners policy provides excellent protection without costly specialized add-ons for most households. Basic weather awareness and earthquake-safe furniture placement remain prudent precautions, but Greene's overall risk profile allows families to focus resources on other community needs.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Greene County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Greene County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Greene County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 29th percentile. Residents of Greene County can use the 29th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Greene County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 63th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (53th percentile), flood (33th percentile), wildfire (14th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 63th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, Greene County is in a zone where flood insurance matters beyond the primary wind risk: NFIP flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period before taking effect, making off-season enrollment the correct timing. Greene County's earthquake exposure at the 63th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For Greene County households, the hurricane preparedness calendar matters: flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, wind-hardening retrofits take weeks to schedule, and evacuation route scouting is best done before a storm watch is issued.
Regional Context
Greene County is 32.2 composite risk points below the Alabama state mean, meaning most other Alabama counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Greene County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Greene County, AL?
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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.