Cumberland County Disaster Risk
Cumberland County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
67th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#31
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
58th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cumberland County, Tennessee
Cumberland Runs Above Average Risk
Cumberland County's composite risk score of 67.24 with a Relatively Low rating exceeds the national average, placing it in the upper-middle tier of U.S. county risk profiles. This elevated exposure stems from significant wildfire, tornado, and earthquake hazards.
Among Tennessee's Riskier Counties
At 67.24, Cumberland ranks notably above Tennessee's state average of 52.45, making it one of the state's higher-risk counties. Its wildfire score of 72.55 is particularly distinctive within the state context.
High Risk in Its Region
Cumberland's 67.24 composite risk significantly exceeds nearby DeKalb (25.48) and Crockett (52.58), though it trails Davidson County's extreme 97.17 score. The county's wildfire risk of 72.55 stands out even among its neighbors.
Wildfire and Tornado Dominate Exposure
Wildfire risk reaches 72.55 and tornado risk climbs to 86.07—both well above state averages—making these Cumberland's defining hazards. Earthquake risk of 85.37 adds additional concern, while flood risk at 58.43 remains notable.
Wildfire and Tornado Coverage Essential
Bundle your homeowners policy with specific wildfire and tornado riders to address Cumberland's elevated composite exposure of 67.24. Verify that your coverage includes debris removal and temporary housing, common needs after major storm events in this county.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cumberland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cumberland County
Risk Verdict
Cumberland County ranks at the 67th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Cumberland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 85th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (73th percentile), flood (58th percentile), hurricane (51th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Cumberland County ranks at the 86th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Cumberland County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. Alongside tornado exposure, earthquake at the 85th percentile nationally means Cumberland County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. Cumberland 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 Tennessee counties, Cumberland County runs 14.8 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Cumberland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cumberland County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Cumberland County?
How does Cumberland County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Cumberland County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Cumberland 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.