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

Marion County Disaster Risk

Marion County, Alabama

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

69th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#30

of 67 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

64th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 64% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 37% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Moderate

Higher than 91% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 80% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 68% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Marion County, Alabama

Marion County exceeds national risk levels

Marion County's composite risk score of 69.15 outpaces the national average, placing it in the relatively low risk category but still elevated. This score reflects meaningful vulnerability across multiple hazard types that warrant serious attention from residents.

Above-average risk within Alabama

Marion County ranks above the state median with a composite score of 69.15 compared to Alabama's 61.54 average, placing it in the upper portion of the state's risk distribution. This 7-point advantage indicates Marion County faces somewhat greater disaster exposure than typical Alabama counties.

Riskier than some, safer than others

Marion County's 69.15 score exceeds Marengo County (52.16) and Lowndes County (29.07), but trails Marshall County (87.31) and Limestone County (79.96). The county occupies the middle ground in its region's risk hierarchy.

Tornado risk dominates threat profile

Tornado risk stands exceptionally high at 90.68, making Marion County particularly vulnerable during spring and fall severe weather seasons. Flood risk (63.99) and earthquake risk (80.15) present secondary but notable threats, while hurricane risk (67.63) rounds out the hazard portfolio.

Prioritize tornado and flood protection

Marion County residents should install safe rooms or identify community shelters well before tornado season, and verify homeowners insurance covers wind damage. Assess your property's flood risk and obtain NFIP coverage if needed, and develop family communication plans for multiple hazard scenarios.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Marion County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    91th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    80th percentile
  3. #3
    HurricanePrepare
    68th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Marion County

Risk Verdict

With a national percentile rank of 69th, Marion County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Marion County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 80th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (68th percentile), flood (64th percentile), wildfire (37th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 91th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Marion County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Alongside tornado exposure, earthquake at the 80th percentile nationally means Marion County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Marion County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.

Regional Context

At 7.6 points above the Alabama state average, Marion County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Alabama county.

Is your household prepared for Marion 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 Marion County, AL?
Marion County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 69th 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 Marion County?
Marion County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (91th percentile), earthquake (80th percentile), hurricane (68th percentile), flooding (64th percentile), wildfire (37th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 91th 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 Marion County risk compare to the Alabama average?
Marion County's composite risk percentile is 69th, compared to the Alabama state average of 62th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Marion County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Alabama.
Is Marion County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Marion County's tornado risk is at the 91th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Marion County is at the 64th 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.
Why is Marion County higher risk than average?
Marion County's composite risk score of 69th percentile is above the Alabama state average of 62th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (91th percentile), along with earthquake and hurricane and flooding risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Lawrence County

Alabama

+0.2

Relatively Low

69th percentile

Blount County

Alabama

-0.7

Relatively Low

68th percentile

Dale County

Alabama

-1.4

Relatively Low

68th 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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