Lee County Disaster Risk
Lee County, Alabama
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
80th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#23
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
85th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lee County, Alabama
Lee County faces above-average disaster risk
Lee County's composite risk score of 79.71 sits well above the national average, placing it in the relatively low risk category overall. However, this score reflects genuine vulnerability across multiple hazard types, from flooding to earthquakes, that residents should take seriously.
Third-highest risk in Alabama
Lee County ranks among Alabama's most at-risk counties, with a composite score of 79.71 compared to the state average of 61.54. This 18-point gap means Lee County residents face significantly greater exposure to natural disasters than most of their neighbors statewide.
Riskier than surrounding counties
Lee County's 79.71 score exceeds nearby Macon County (23.86) by more than 55 points, and outpaces Lowndes County (29.07) by an even wider margin. Only neighboring Marshall County (87.31) carries noticeably higher composite risk in this region.
Flood and hurricane risks top the list
Flooding presents the most acute threat to Lee County, with a risk score of 84.73, followed closely by hurricane risk (82.19) and earthquake risk (81.74). Tornado risk rounds out major concerns at 75.67, making severe weather across multiple categories a year-round consideration for residents.
Comprehensive insurance protects against multiple threats
Given Lee County's elevated flood, hurricane, and earthquake risks, homeowners should verify they carry adequate flood insurance through NFIP or private carriers, plus windstorm coverage for hurricanes. Review your homeowners policy annually and consider earthquake coverage, as standard policies often exclude seismic damage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lee County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lee County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Lee County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 80th percentile. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Lee County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 82th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (82th percentile), tornado (76th percentile), wildfire (72th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Lee County's top hazard at the 85th percentile nationally. Households in or near designated flood zones face elevated financial exposure; flood insurance typically requires a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so applying before the season is advisable. The county's second-ranked hazard, hurricane at the 82th percentile nationally, means Lee County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Households across Lee County should identify the nearest community shelter and keep a basic emergency kit — water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, and battery radio — in a location easy to grab quickly.
Regional Context
Lee County is 18.2 composite risk points above the Alabama average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Lee County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lee County, AL?
What types of natural hazards affect Lee County?
How does Lee County risk compare to the Alabama average?
Is Lee County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Lee 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.