Gibson County Disaster Risk
Gibson County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
86th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#10
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
53th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Gibson County, Tennessee
Gibson County faces significantly elevated risk
Gibson County's composite risk score of 85.94 ranks it in the Relatively Moderate category—well above the national average and among Tennessee's highest-risk counties. The county contends with exceptionally high tornado (91.70) and earthquake (97.11) hazards that demand serious preparedness planning.
Among Tennessee's riskiest counties
Gibson County's 85.94 score substantially exceeds Tennessee's state average of 52.45, placing it in the upper tier of the state's most hazard-exposed counties. Its tornado and earthquake scores rank among the state's highest, reflecting its position in both a seismic and tornado-active zone.
Riskier than surrounding counties
Gibson County faces considerably higher composite risk (85.94) than neighbors like Weakley County and Dyer County to the north. Its 85.94 score makes it one of Northwest Tennessee's most hazard-prone areas, particularly for tornado and seismic activity.
Tornadoes and earthquakes are severe threats
Tornado risk reaches 91.70—among Tennessee's highest—making spring and early summer storm seasons especially dangerous for Gibson County residents. Earthquake risk (97.11) is equally concerning and reflects the county's proximity to the New Madrid Seismic Zone, which has produced historic major earthquakes affecting this region.
Invest in structural protection and insurance
Residents should prioritize a dedicated safe room or storm shelter rated for high-wind tornado events and ensure comprehensive homeowners insurance covers tornado, hail, and earthquake damage. Given Gibson County's elevated seismic risk, verify that your policy includes earthquake coverage or add it as a rider.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Gibson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Gibson County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard risk in Gibson County is higher than the majority of U.S. counties, with a national composite rank of 86th. Gibson County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Gibson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 92th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (54th percentile), flood (53th percentile), wildfire (19th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 97th percentile nationally for earthquake risk, Gibson County is in a zone where a post-earthquake communications plan matters almost as much as pre-earthquake structural preparation — phone networks are typically congested for hours after a significant event. The county's tornado risk at the 92th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. For Gibson County households, the three highest-impact earthquake preparedness actions are: (1) anchor heavy furniture and water heaters, (2) store three days of water at one gallon per person per day, and (3) identify a family reunification plan for the post-quake communication blackout period.
Regional Context
A composite score 33.5 points above the Tennessee state average puts Gibson County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Gibson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Gibson County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Gibson County?
How does Gibson County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Gibson County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Gibson 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.