Hawkins County Disaster Risk
Hawkins County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
56th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#49
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
65th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hawkins County, Tennessee
Hawkins County slightly above national average
Hawkins County scores 55.76 on the composite risk index, earning a "Relatively Low" rating and sitting just barely above Tennessee's average of 52.45. Flooding poses the highest risk at 64.66, followed by moderate earthquake exposure (74.20), while tornadoes (49.90) and hurricanes (38.21) remain secondary concerns. This balanced risk profile places Hawkins in the middle range of American counties.
Mid-range risk for Tennessee
Hawkins County ranks in the middle tier of Tennessee counties, with a 55.76 composite score nearly matching the state average of 52.45. Its flood risk of 64.66 is among the state's higher ratings, reflecting the county's topography and proximity to waterways. Tornado and wildfire risks remain below state averages, making flooding and earthquakes Hawkins's distinctive hazards.
Moderate risk in a mixed region
Hawkins County's 55.76 score sits well above Hancock County's exceptional 11.93 but below Hardin County's 70.71, placing it firmly in the regional middle. Its 64.66 flood risk is notably higher than most neighbors, reflecting its water-rich geography. While tornado risks remain lower than Hardin or Henry counties, Hawkins's flood exposure distinguishes it from safer peers like Hancock.
Floods and earthquakes merit attention
Flooding is your primary concern at 64.66, particularly for properties near rivers, creeks, or low-lying areas that can experience significant water damage during heavy rains or spring snowmelt. Earthquakes score 74.20, indicating moderate seismic risk; while major events are infrequent, moderate tremors occur regularly and can damage older structures. Tornadoes remain a secondary spring threat but less severe than in neighboring counties.
Prioritize flood and earthquake coverage
Flood insurance is essential in Hawkins County—either through your standard policy rider or the National Flood Insurance Program—given your 64.66 flood risk score. Add earthquake coverage to your homeowners policy to protect against seismic damage, and ensure windstorm riders cover tornado risk. Annual policy reviews before spring storm season keep your coverage aligned with your property's vulnerability.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hawkins County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hawkins County
Risk Verdict
At the 56th percentile nationally, Hawkins County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Hawkins County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Hawkins County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (51th percentile), tornado (50th percentile), hurricane (38th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hawkins County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 74th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. Alongside earthquake exposure, Hawkins County's flood risk at the 65th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. After a major earthquake, Hawkins County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
At 3.3 points from the Tennessee county mean, Hawkins County's overall disaster risk profile is close to typical for this state, with no dramatic deviation in either direction.
Is your household prepared for Hawkins County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hawkins County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Hawkins County?
How does Hawkins County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Hawkins County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Hawkins 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.