Dyer County Disaster Risk
Dyer County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
87th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#9
of 95 (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
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Dyer County, Tennessee
Dyer's Risk Significantly Above Average
Dyer County's composite risk score of 86.58 with a Relatively Moderate rating substantially exceeds national averages, placing it among the more vulnerable U.S. counties. This elevated exposure stems primarily from tornado and earthquake hazards.
Among Tennessee's Highest-Risk Counties
At 86.58, Dyer ranks 34 points above Tennessee's state average of 52.45, making it one of the state's most vulnerable counties. Only Davidson County (97.17) and Fayette (75.95) exceed Dyer's risk profile within the state.
Far Riskier Than Most Neighboring Areas
Dyer's 86.58 score significantly exceeds Crockett (52.58), Dickson (53.47), and most other West Tennessee neighbors. Only Fayette County (75.95) comes close to Dyer's elevated composite risk.
Tornado and Earthquake Threats Peak
Tornado risk reaches 88.39 and earthquake risk hits 97.61—both among the state's highest values and Dyer's defining hazards. Flood and wildfire risks remain moderate at 37.85 and 24.62 respectively.
Comprehensive Multi-Hazard Protection Required
With composite risk at 86.58, Dyer County residents need earthquake coverage (not included in standard policies) and enhanced tornado/wind protection. Review your safe room construction and ensure insurance limits match current property replacement costs.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Dyer County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Dyer County
Risk Verdict
Dyer County registers a moderately elevated natural disaster risk, ranking at the 87th percentile across all U.S. counties. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Dyer County.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Dyer County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 88th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (52th percentile), flood (38th percentile), wildfire (25th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Dyer County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 98th 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. Tornado at the 88th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Dyer County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. After a major earthquake, Dyer 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
Dyer County falls 34.1 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 Dyer County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Dyer County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Dyer County?
How does Dyer County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Dyer County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Dyer 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.