Dickson County Disaster Risk
Dickson County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
53th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#51
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
45th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Dickson County, Tennessee
Dickson Mirrors National Risk Levels
Dickson County's composite risk score of 53.47 with a Relatively Low rating aligns closely with national averages. This mid-range exposure reflects a balanced profile across hazard types without extreme vulnerability in any single category.
Close to Tennessee's Average Risk
At 53.47, Dickson ranks just slightly above Tennessee's state average of 52.45, placing it squarely in the state's mid-risk range. The county's profile mirrors typical Tennessee disaster exposure patterns.
Moderate Risk Among County Peers
Dickson's 53.47 score sits between DeKalb's very low 25.48 and Davidson's extreme 97.17, showing substantial variation across the Nashville region. It runs notably below Dyer (86.58) and Fayette (75.95) to the northwest and south.
Tornado Dominates Dickson's Hazards
Tornado risk reaches 75.41, making it Dickson's defining hazard and well above state averages. Earthquake risk of 89.09 adds secondary concern, while wildfire and flood risks remain comparatively low.
Prioritize Tornado and Earthquake Coverage
With tornado risk at 75.41 and earthquake risk at 89.09, add specific riders for these hazards to your homeowners policy. Bundle coverage strategically and maintain a current family emergency plan with multiple safe shelter locations.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Dickson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Dickson County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Dickson County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 53th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Dickson County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Dickson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 75th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (45th percentile), hurricane (23th percentile), wildfire (21th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 89th percentile nationally puts Dickson County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. Alongside earthquake exposure, Dickson County's tornado risk at the 75th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Dickson County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.
Regional Context
Dickson County's risk score is broadly comparable to the Tennessee county average, with a 1.0-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Dickson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Dickson County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Dickson County?
How does Dickson County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Dickson County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Dickson 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.