Tallapoosa County Disaster Risk
Tallapoosa County, Alabama
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
67th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#34
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
78th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Tallapoosa County, Alabama
Tallapoosa County Moderate Risk Above Average
Tallapoosa County scores 67.46, earning a relatively low risk rating but sitting about 6 points above Alabama's state average of 61.54. This gap reflects above-average exposure to flooding and tornado events, balanced by lower wildfire risk.
Mid-Range Risk Among Eight Counties
Tallapoosa County ranks in the middle tier of this analysis, safer than Talladega (84.67), Shelby (90.27), and Tuscaloosa (90.81) but less protected than Russell (54.74) and Sumter (53.02). Its score reflects east-central Alabama's moderate hazard exposure.
Similar Risk to Nearby St. Clair County
Tallapoosa County's 67.46 score falls just below nearby St. Clair (72.14) and substantially above Russell (54.74), positioning it as a moderately exposed community in the region. Talladega (84.67) poses notably greater combined risk.
Floods and Tornadoes Lead Threats
Flood risk scores 77.86 and tornado risk scores 72.84, making these the primary natural disaster concerns for Tallapoosa residents. Hurricane risk (74.22) and wildfire risk (75.06) add secondary but still significant exposure.
Prepare for Water and Wind Damage
With flood risk at 77.86 and tornado risk at 72.84, Tallapoosa residents should secure both homeowners and separate flood insurance before disaster strikes. Maintain an emergency kit and safe room plan—two essential preparations that cost little but save lives.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Tallapoosa County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Tallapoosa County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Tallapoosa County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 67th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Tallapoosa County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Tallapoosa County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 78th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 75th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (74th percentile), tornado (73th percentile), earthquake (69th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Tallapoosa County's top hazard at the 78th 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, wildfire at the 75th percentile nationally, means Tallapoosa County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Households across Tallapoosa 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
Tallapoosa County is 5.9 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 Tallapoosa County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Tallapoosa County, AL?
What types of natural hazards affect Tallapoosa County?
How does Tallapoosa County risk compare to the Alabama average?
Is Tallapoosa County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Tallapoosa 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.