Macon County Disaster Risk
Macon County, Alabama
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
24th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#65
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
35th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Macon County, Alabama
Macon County has very low disaster risk
Macon County's composite risk score of 23.86 ranks among the lowest in the nation, placing it solidly in the very low risk category. This exceptionally favorable position reflects modest exposure to most major hazard types that threaten other parts of the country.
Alabama's safest county
Macon County ranks as the lowest-risk county in Alabama, with a composite score of 23.86 compared to the state average of 61.54. This 37-point advantage represents the state's best position for disaster preparedness and risk exposure.
Safest in its region by far
Macon County's 23.86 score is dramatically lower than all neighboring counties, including Lowndes (29.07), Marengo (52.16), and Marion (69.15). The county's geographic location provides natural advantages against most major disaster types.
Minimal hazard exposure across the board
Macon County's risk profile is balanced and low across all categories, with hurricane risk (68.88) being the highest concern and wildfire risk (52.83) second. Even these elevated-by-local-standards scores remain below state and national averages.
Standard homeowners insurance provides coverage
Macon County's very low risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically offers adequate protection for most residents. Review your policy annually to ensure appropriate limits, but catastrophic natural disaster coverage is less critical here than in higher-risk regions.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Macon County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Macon County
Risk Verdict
At the 24th percentile nationally, Macon County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Being ranked at the 24th percentile nationally is an advantage for Macon County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Macon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 69th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (53th percentile), tornado (48th percentile), flood (35th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Macon County ranks at the 69th percentile nationally for hurricane risk. For coastal counties, wind-resistant shutters or impact-rated windows represent the highest single structural investment for reducing property damage. Macon County's earthquake exposure at the 60th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For extended post-storm outages common in Macon County's hurricane zone, a portable generator (operated outdoors only) and a supply of non-perishable food for at least seven days provides meaningful household resilience.
Regional Context
A composite score 37.7 points below the Alabama state average puts Macon County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Macon County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Macon County, AL?
What types of natural hazards affect Macon County?
How does Macon County risk compare to the Alabama average?
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How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Macon County a safe place to live?
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.