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

Henry County Disaster Risk

Henry County, Alabama

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

42th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#51

of 67 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

38th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 38% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 34% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 73% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 39% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Moderate

Higher than 83% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Henry County, Alabama

Henry County well below national risk levels

Henry County scores 42.05 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and placing it safely below the national average. This southeastern Alabama county experiences fewer natural disaster threats than the typical U.S. county.

Among Alabama's lowest-risk counties

Henry County's 42.05 composite score falls 19.5 points below Alabama's state average of 61.54, ranking it among the state's safest regions. Only a select group of Alabama counties offer comparable natural disaster protection.

Moderate safety compared to nearby counties

Henry County (42.05) faces slightly higher risk than neighboring Hale County (39.09) but lower risk than Houston County (87.79). Regional variation is substantial, with Henry positioned as a safer alternative to its riskier southern neighbors.

Hurricane risk stands out dramatically

Hurricane risk dominates at 82.69, far exceeding other hazards and making it Henry County's most pressing natural disaster threat. Tornado risk (72.55) follows as a secondary concern, while flood risk remains manageable at 38.39.

Hurricane insurance is non-negotiable

Residents must prioritize homeowners insurance with strong wind and hail coverage, as the 82.69 hurricane risk score demands serious preparation. Consider supplemental coverage for water damage, as hurricanes frequently bring flooding despite the county's moderate flood baseline.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Henry County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    83th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    73th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    39th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Henry County

Risk Verdict

Henry County's overall natural disaster score at the 42th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Being ranked at the 42th percentile nationally is an advantage for Henry County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Henry County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 73th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (39th percentile), flood (38th percentile), wildfire (34th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Hurricane exposure at the 83th percentile nationally makes Henry County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Henry County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Tornado at the 73th percentile nationally is Henry County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Henry County residents benefit from registering with the county's special-needs evacuation registry if household members have mobility limitations, require electricity-dependent medical equipment, or cannot self-evacuate — registration in advance of storm season is required.

Regional Context

Henry County's composite risk score sits 19.5 points below the Alabama county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.

Is your household prepared for Henry 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 Henry County, AL?
Henry County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 42th 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 Henry County?
Henry County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (83th percentile), tornado (73th percentile), earthquake (39th percentile), flooding (38th percentile), wildfire (34th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 83th 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 Henry County risk compare to the Alabama average?
Henry County's composite risk percentile is 42th, compared to the Alabama state average of 62th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Henry County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Alabama.
Is Henry County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Henry County's hurricane risk is at the 83th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Henry County is at the 38th 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 Henry County a safe place to live?
Henry County's composite risk score of 42th 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 83th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
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.