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

Fentress County Disaster Risk

Fentress County, Tennessee

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

28th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#74

of 95 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

21th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 21% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 68% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 48% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 60% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 46% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Fentress County, Tennessee

Fentress ranks well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 28.44, Fentress County sits in the Very Low risk category—significantly safer than the typical American county. This score reflects lower-than-average exposure to most natural hazards, though wildfire and earthquake risks warrant attention in specific areas.

Second-safest county in Tennessee

Fentress ranks as one of Tennessee's lowest-risk counties, with its 28.44 score falling well below the state average of 52.45. Only Grainger County (18.61) has a lower composite risk score among the state's 95 counties.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Fentress's Very Low rating contrasts sharply with neighbors like Pickett County and Overton County. Its composite score of 28.44 makes it one of the safest areas in East Tennessee, offering relative protection compared to counties to the south and west.

Wildfire and earthquakes pose greatest threats

Wildfire risk scores highest at 68.48, reflecting the county's forested terrain and dry season vulnerability. Earthquake risk (60.21) also exceeds the county average, a reminder that the nearby Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone can produce occasional tremors that shake structures unprepared for seismic activity.

Focus insurance on wildfire and structural

Residents should prioritize homeowners insurance with adequate wildfire coverage and ensure properties meet earthquake-resistant building standards. Given Fentress's low overall risk profile, standard coverage often suffices—but properties near forested areas benefit from additional wildfire mitigation and insurance review.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Fentress County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    68th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    60th percentile
  3. #3
    TornadoPrepare
    48th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Fentress County

Risk Verdict

At the 28th percentile nationally, Fentress County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. At the 28th percentile nationally, Fentress County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Fentress County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 68th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (48th percentile), hurricane (46th percentile), flood (21th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Fentress County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 68th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Fentress County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. Alongside wildfire, earthquake at the 60th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Fentress County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.

Regional Context

A composite score 24.0 points below the Tennessee state average puts Fentress County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.

Is your household prepared for Fentress 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 Fentress County, TN?
Fentress County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 28th 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 Fentress County?
Fentress County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (68th percentile), earthquake (60th percentile), tornado (48th percentile), hurricane (46th percentile), flooding (21th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 68th 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 Fentress County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Fentress County's composite risk percentile is 28th, compared to the Tennessee state average of 53th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Fentress County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Tennessee.
Is Fentress County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Fentress County's wildfire risk is at the 68th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Fentress County is at the 21th 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.
Is Fentress County a safe place to live?
Fentress County's composite risk score of 28th percentile is below the Tennessee state average of 53th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is wildfire at the 68th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Johnson County

Tennessee

-0.3

Very Low

28th percentile

Stewart County

Tennessee

+0.9

Very Low

29th percentile

Scott County

Tennessee

-2.3

Very Low

26th 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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