Grainger County Disaster Risk
Grainger County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
19th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#84
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
34th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Grainger County, Tennessee
Grainger County ranks among safest in nation
Grainger County's composite risk score of 18.61 places it in the Very Low risk category, making it one of the safest counties in the United States. The county benefits from lower-than-average exposure to most natural hazards, though earthquake risk remains moderate at 67.56.
Tennessee's safest county by risk score
Grainger County's 18.61 score is the lowest in Tennessee, sitting far below the state average of 52.45. Only a handful of other Tennessee counties approach this level of safety, making Grainger an exceptional outlier in the state's natural hazard landscape.
Significantly safer than surrounding areas
Grainger County's very low composite risk (18.61) stands in stark contrast to neighbors like Union County and Campbell County. Its 18.61 score makes it one of East Tennessee's safest communities, with substantially lower hazard exposure than counties to the north and south.
Earthquake risk moderately elevated
Earthquake risk (67.56) emerges as Grainger County's primary hazard concern, though still moderate compared to nearby East Tennessee counties. Wildfire risk (48.70) ranks second, reflecting the county's partly forested terrain and seasonal dry conditions that occasionally spark fires.
Standard coverage typically sufficient
Grainger County residents enjoy unusually low overall natural disaster risk and can typically rely on standard homeowners insurance policies. Consider adding earthquake coverage as an optional rider to protect against seismic activity, and review wildfire provisions if your property sits near wooded areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Grainger County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Grainger County
Risk Verdict
Grainger County's overall natural disaster score at the 19th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. At the 19th percentile, Grainger County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Grainger County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 68th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 49th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (39th percentile), flood (34th percentile), hurricane (25th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 68th percentile nationally puts Grainger 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. Wildfire at the 49th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Grainger County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Grainger 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
Grainger County's composite risk score sits 33.8 points below the Tennessee county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Grainger County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Grainger County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Grainger County?
How does Grainger County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
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Is Grainger County a safe place to live?
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.