riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Fayette County Disaster Risk

Fayette County, Tennessee

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

76th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#18

of 95 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

52th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 52% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 61% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Moderate

Higher than 89% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively High

Higher than 95% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 50% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Fayette County, Tennessee

Fayette's Risk Substantially Above National

Fayette County's composite risk score of 75.95 with a Relatively Low rating exceeds national averages significantly, reflecting vulnerability across multiple hazard types. This elevated profile places Fayette among the nation's higher-risk counties.

Fayette Ranks High in Tennessee Risk

At 75.95, Fayette ranks 23 points above Tennessee's state average of 52.45, positioning it among the state's most vulnerable counties. Only Davidson (97.17) and Dyer (86.58) carry higher composite risk scores in Tennessee.

Notably Higher Risk Than Most Peers

Fayette's 75.95 composite risk substantially exceeds surrounding counties like DeKalb (25.48), Dickson (53.47), and Crockett (52.58). Only Dyer County (86.58) approaches Fayette's elevated exposure level within the region.

Tornado and Wildfire Drive Exposure

Tornado risk peaks at 89.44 and wildfire risk reaches 61.42—both well above state averages and representing Fayette's primary hazards. Earthquake risk of 95.26 adds significant secondary concern.

Multi-Layered Coverage Strategy Essential

Fayette's composite risk of 75.95 demands comprehensive protection: add wildfire and tornado riders, plus separate earthquake coverage not included in standard policies. Ensure your policy covers reconstruction costs given elevated multi-hazard exposure.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Fayette County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    95th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    89th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    61th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Fayette County

Risk Verdict

Fayette County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 76th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Fayette County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 89th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (61th percentile), flood (52th percentile), hurricane (50th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Earthquake risk is Fayette County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. The county's tornado risk at the 89th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Fayette County residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.

Regional Context

Fayette County's composite risk score sits 23.5 points above the Tennessee county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Fayette County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Fayette County, TN?
Fayette County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 76th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Fayette County?
Fayette County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (95th percentile), tornado (89th percentile), wildfire (61th percentile), flooding (52th percentile), hurricane (50th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 95th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Fayette County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Fayette County's composite risk percentile is 76th, compared to the Tennessee state average of 53th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Fayette County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Tennessee.
Is Fayette County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Fayette County's earthquake risk is at the 95th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Fayette County is at the 52th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Fayette County higher risk than average?
Fayette County's composite risk score of 76th percentile is above the Tennessee state average of 53th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by earthquake exposure (95th percentile), along with tornado and wildfire and flooding and hurricane risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Sevier County

Tennessee

+1.4

Relatively Low

77th percentile

Blount County

Tennessee

-1.8

Relatively Low

74th percentile

Weakley County

Tennessee

-1.9

Relatively Low

74th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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