Washington County Disaster Risk
Washington County, Alabama
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
46th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#47
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
38th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Washington County, Alabama
Washington County's natural disaster risk
Washington County scores 45.64 on the national composite risk scale, earning a "Relatively Low" rating that sits well below the national average. This means your county faces below-average exposure to combined natural hazards compared to most U.S. counties.
Lower risk than most Alabama counties
At 45.64, Washington County's composite risk score runs significantly below Alabama's state average of 61.54, placing it among the safer counties statewide. This 26% gap below the state average reflects relatively controlled hazard exposure across most disaster types.
Safest among nearby Alabama counties
Washington County's risk profile ranks favorably next to neighboring Wilcox County (36.70) and Winston County (59.19), though it sits between them in overall exposure. Even so, all three counties cluster below or near the state average, suggesting a safer region overall.
Hurricane and tornado exposure top concerns
Hurricane risk dominates Washington County's threat profile at 86.94, the highest individual hazard score, while tornado risk follows at 66.35. Wildfire risk also registers moderately elevated at 65.84, though flood, earthquake, and hurricane impacts remain the primary considerations for preparedness.
Secure comprehensive coverage today
With elevated hurricane and tornado exposure, homeowners should verify their policies include wind and hail coverage—standard homeowners policies often exclude these perils. Given the 86.94 hurricane risk score, flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program is also worth evaluating for your specific property location.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Washington County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Washington County
Risk Verdict
Washington County ranks at the 46th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. At the 46th percentile nationally, Washington County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Washington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 66th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (66th percentile), earthquake (46th percentile), flood (38th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Washington County ranks at the 87th 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. Washington County's tornado exposure at the 66th 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 Washington 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 15.9 points below the Alabama state average puts Washington County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Washington County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Washington County, AL?
What types of natural hazards affect Washington County?
How does Washington County risk compare to the Alabama average?
Is Washington County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Washington 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.