Carroll County Disaster Risk
Carroll County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
73th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#23
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
27th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 94% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Carroll County, Tennessee
Carroll County faces above-average disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 72.81, Carroll County ranks significantly higher than the national average and substantially above Tennessee's state average of 52.45. This relatively low rating masks concentrated vulnerabilities in specific hazard types that warrant attention from residents and policymakers.
Riskier than most Tennessee counties
Carroll County's score of 72.81 places it in the upper tier of Tennessee's 95 counties by disaster risk. The county's exposure is driven primarily by two hazard types that exceed state norms significantly.
Stands out among West Tennessee peers
Carroll County's 72.81 score substantially exceeds neighboring Chester County (44.50) and Cheatham County (46.28) to the west and south. However, it mirrors similar risk profiles to other rural West Tennessee counties facing comparable multi-hazard exposure.
Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate local hazards
Earthquake risk (94.40) and tornado risk (87.12) represent Carroll County's primary concerns, both well above the state average. Flood risk remains minimal at 27.23, while wildfire exposure is notably low at 20.20, making seismic and severe weather preparedness the county's top priorities.
Prioritize earthquake and storm coverage
Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage, making separate earthquake insurance essential for Carroll County residents facing a 94.40 risk score. Additionally, comprehensive tornado and severe weather coverage—including basement safe rooms or reinforced structures—should be evaluated to protect against the county's 87.12 tornado risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Carroll County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Carroll County
Risk Verdict
At the 73th percentile nationally, Carroll County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Carroll County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Carroll County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 87th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (52th percentile), flood (27th percentile), wildfire (20th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Carroll County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 94th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. The county's tornado risk at the 87th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. After a major earthquake, Carroll County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
Carroll County falls 20.4 points above Tennessee's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Carroll County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Carroll County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Carroll County?
How does Carroll County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Carroll County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Carroll 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.