Houston County Disaster Risk
Houston County, Alabama
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
88th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#10
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
87th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Houston County, Alabama
Houston County faces moderately elevated risk
Houston County scores 87.79 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Moderate rating that exceeds the national average. This southeastern county experiences natural disaster threats significantly more often than most American communities.
Among Alabama's highest-risk counties
Houston County ranks as one of Alabama's riskiest regions with a composite score 26.25 points above the state average of 61.54. Only a few Alabama counties face comparable natural disaster exposure.
Riskiest in its immediate region
Houston County's 87.79 risk score dramatically exceeds neighboring Henry County (42.05) and nearby Hale County (39.09). This southeastern position places it in the state's most hazard-prone tier, particularly for tornadoes and hurricanes.
Tornado and hurricane risks are severe
Tornado risk reaches 95.93 and hurricane risk hits 93.83—both among Alabama's highest scores—making violent storms Houston County's defining natural disaster threat. Flood risk (87.15) rounds out the county's triple threat, requiring comprehensive emergency preparation.
Multiple insurance layers essential
Homeowners must secure comprehensive coverage including wind, hail, flood, and water damage protection—this is not optional given the 87.79 composite risk score. Additionally, invest in storm-resistant upgrades like reinforced roofing and consider a safe room or basement shelter for tornado protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Houston County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Houston County
Risk Verdict
Houston County registers a moderately elevated natural disaster risk, ranking at the 88th percentile across all U.S. counties. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Houston County.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Houston County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 94th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (87th percentile), earthquake (73th percentile), wildfire (52th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Houston County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 96th percentile nationally. In Houston County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Alongside tornado exposure, hurricane at the 94th percentile nationally means Houston County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Houston County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Houston County households.
Regional Context
Houston County falls 26.2 points above Alabama's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Houston County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Houston County, AL?
What types of natural hazards affect Houston County?
How does Houston County risk compare to the Alabama average?
Is Houston County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Houston 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.