Montgomery County Disaster Risk
Montgomery County, Alabama
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
92th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#5
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
94th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% 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 97% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Montgomery County, Alabama
Montgomery faces above-average national risk
Montgomery County's 91.83 composite score ranks it as 'Relatively Moderate' nationally but still 30 points above Alabama's state average of 61.54. This places Montgomery among the nation's more hazard-prone counties.
Second-riskiest county in Alabama
Montgomery County ranks second only to Mobile County within Alabama, scoring 91.83 versus the state average of 61.54. This elevation reflects a dangerous cocktail of tornado, flood, earthquake, and hurricane exposure.
Vastly riskier than surrounding counties
Montgomery's 91.83 score far exceeds nearby Morgan County (88.84) and dwarfs Pickens, Pike, Randolph, and Perry counties, all of which score below 50. Montgomery stands out as an island of high risk in its region.
Tornadoes and floods lead the danger
Tornado risk peaks at 96.60—among the highest in the nation—followed by flood risk (94.05) and earthquake risk (92.46). Combined, these three hazards create a severe and unpredictable threat landscape for the county.
Comprehensive insurance is critical here
Montgomery County residents should secure flood insurance and a robust homeowner policy with high coverage limits given the 94.05 flood and 96.60 tornado scores. Earthquake coverage, though less common, is prudent given the 92.46 earthquake risk score in this region.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Montgomery County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Montgomery County
Risk Verdict
Montgomery County's overall risk score at the 92th percentile nationally signals meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Montgomery County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 94th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (92th percentile), hurricane (87th percentile), wildfire (52th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Montgomery County ranks at the 97th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Montgomery County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. The secondary flood hazard at the 94th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Montgomery County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Montgomery County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
Compared to other Alabama counties, Montgomery County runs 30.3 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Montgomery County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Montgomery County, AL?
What types of natural hazards affect Montgomery County?
How does Montgomery County risk compare to the Alabama average?
Is Montgomery County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Montgomery 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.