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

Hale County Disaster Risk

Hale County, Alabama

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

39th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#53

of 67 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

42th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 42% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 26% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 68% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 66% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 69% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Hale County, Alabama

Hale County's risk stays well below national average

Hale County scores 39.09 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and sitting significantly below the national average. This means residents face fewer natural disaster threats than most Americans, though risk varies considerably by hazard type.

Among Alabama's safest counties

Hale County ranks as one of Alabama's lowest-risk regions with a composite score 22 points below the state average of 61.54. Only a handful of Alabama counties offer comparable natural disaster protection.

Safest in its region

Hale County's 39.09 composite risk significantly outperforms neighboring Lamar County (31.39) and nearby Henry County (42.05). Among regional peers, Hale offers above-average safety from natural hazards.

Hurricane and tornado threats lead

Hurricane risk scores 68.67 and tornado risk hits 68.23 in Hale County, making these the primary hazards to monitor. Conversely, wildfire risk remains minimal at 25.57, so evacuation planning should focus on storm preparedness rather than fire mitigation.

Secure wind and water coverage now

Homeowners in Hale County should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance with adequate wind and hail protection, since hurricanes and tornadoes pose the greatest threat. Adding flood insurance is wise even in low-risk areas, as storms can trigger localized flooding.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Hale County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    69th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    68th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    66th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Hale County

Risk Verdict

Hale County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 39th percentile nationally. A 39th percentile score positions Hale County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Hale County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 69th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 68th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (66th percentile), flood (42th percentile), wildfire (26th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 69th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Hale County households benefit from reviewing both homeowners and flood insurance coverage before storm season begins — standard policies often exclude storm surge, which is the leading cause of hurricane fatalities. Tornado, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 68th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Hale County independent of hurricane season. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Hale County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.

Regional Context

Hale County falls 22.4 points below Alabama's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.

Is your household prepared for Hale 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 Hale County, AL?
Hale County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 39th 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 Hale County?
Hale County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (69th percentile), tornado (68th percentile), earthquake (66th percentile), flooding (42th percentile), wildfire (26th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 69th 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 Hale County risk compare to the Alabama average?
Hale County's composite risk percentile is 39th, compared to the Alabama state average of 62th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Hale County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Alabama.
Is Hale County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Hale County's hurricane risk is at the 69th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Hale County is at the 42th 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 Hale County a safe place to live?
Hale County's composite risk score of 39th 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 hurricane at the 69th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Bibb County

Alabama

+0.0

Very Low

39th percentile

Fayette County

Alabama

-0.9

Very Low

38th percentile

Wilcox County

Alabama

-2.4

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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