Hardeman County Disaster Risk
Hardeman County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
63th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#38
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
30th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hardeman County, Tennessee
Hardeman faces above-average tornado risk
Hardeman County scores 63.01 on the composite risk index, earning a "Relatively Low" rating but sitting above Tennessee's average of 52.45. Tornadoes dominate the risk profile at 83.75, making severe spring storms the county's defining natural disaster threat. Earthquake exposure (93.35) also ranks high, though it trails tornado risk as a practical everyday concern.
Mid-range risk in Tennessee rankings
Hardeman County ranks in the middle tier of Tennessee counties for overall disaster risk, with a score nearly 10 points above the state average. Its tornado risk of 83.75 places it in the upper half statewide, while its earthquake score of 93.35 reflects seismic vulnerability shared with many other Tennessee counties. Flood and hurricane risks remain moderate relative to peers.
Riskier than some, safer than others
Hardeman County's 63.01 score sits between safer Hawkins County (55.76) to the north and riskier Hardin County (70.71) to the south, placing it squarely in the regional middle. Its 83.75 tornado risk nearly matches Hardin's 76.02, suggesting a shared corridor of severe spring storm activity. Relative to the state, Hardeman faces moderate-to-above-average hazards but avoids the extreme exposure of counties like Hamilton.
Tornadoes and earthquakes pose real threats
Tornadoes are your primary concern, with a risk score of 83.75 indicating frequent severe spring storms capable of significant damage—especially in March through May. Earthquakes score 93.35, reflecting proximity to seismic zones; while major events remain uncommon, moderate tremors are possible and can damage older structures. Together, these two hazards account for the majority of Hardeman's disaster exposure.
Invest in tornado and earthquake protection
Your homeowners policy should include comprehensive windstorm/hail coverage specifically rated for tornado damage, and add a separate earthquake rider given your county's 93.35 exposure score. Flood insurance is advisable if you're near low-lying areas, though it's not your primary concern. Review your coverage annually before spring storm season to ensure adequate limits and modern deductibles.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hardeman County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hardeman County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 63th, Hardeman County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Hardeman County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 84th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (59th percentile), wildfire (35th percentile), flood (30th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 93th percentile nationally for earthquake exposure, Hardeman County households benefit from practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On — the protocol that minimizes injury during shaking. Getting under a sturdy table or desk and holding on until shaking stops is the key action. Tornado at the 84th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Hardeman County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Building age matters for earthquake risk in Hardeman County: structures built before local seismic code adoption are statistically more vulnerable. Contacting the local building department about retrofit programs can reveal whether your structure qualifies for mitigation assistance.
Regional Context
At 10.6 points above the Tennessee state average, Hardeman County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Tennessee county.
Is your household prepared for Hardeman County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hardeman County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Hardeman County?
How does Hardeman County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Hardeman County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Hardeman 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.