Haywood County Disaster Risk
Haywood County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
65th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#33
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
25th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Haywood County, Tennessee
Haywood faces moderate earthquake risk
Haywood County scores 64.69 on the composite risk index, earning a "Relatively Low" rating and sitting above Tennessee's average of 52.45. Earthquakes dominate at 94.94—one of the state's highest scores—while tornadoes (66.86) present a secondary spring threat. Remarkably, flood risk is minimal at just 24.87, and wildfire exposure (10.43) is among the state's lowest, making Haywood's profile earthquake-centric.
Top earthquake risk in Tennessee
Haywood County ranks mid-tier statewide but stands out for its exceptionally high earthquake score of 94.94—among Tennessee's worst for seismic hazard. Its tornado risk of 66.86 sits near the state average, while flood and wildfire risks remain well below 52.45, the state benchmark. This seismic concentration makes Haywood geographically distinct from counties with balanced multi-hazard exposure.
Highest earthquake risk in the region
Haywood County's earthquake score of 94.94 far exceeds nearby Henderson County (92.62) and exceeds most regional peers, placing it at the epicenter of Tennessee's seismic vulnerability. Its overall 64.69 score sits between Hardeman County (63.01) and Henderson County (63.10), yet its earthquake exposure is distinctly worse. This makes Haywood especially vulnerable to tremor damage despite moderate composite scores.
Earthquakes dominate your exposure
Earthquakes present your paramount threat, with a 94.94 risk score reflecting proximity to active seismic fault systems—moderate tremors occur regularly and can cause significant structural damage. Tornadoes follow at 66.86, creating a secondary spring threat but far less frequent than seismic events. Floods and wildfires are minimal concerns; your insurance strategy should center on earthquake protection.
Earthquake coverage is non-negotiable
Add comprehensive earthquake insurance to your homeowners policy immediately—Haywood's 94.94 score makes this essential, not optional. Ensure your policy covers both structural damage and contents, and consider retrofitting older homes with seismic bracing to reduce vulnerability. While tornado wind coverage remains prudent for spring season, earthquake protection is your top insurance priority.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Haywood County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Haywood County
Risk Verdict
Haywood County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 65th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Haywood County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Haywood County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 67th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (57th percentile), flood (25th percentile), wildfire (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake risk is Haywood County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. Tornado at the 67th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Haywood County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Haywood County residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.
Regional Context
Haywood County's composite risk score sits 12.2 points above the Tennessee county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Haywood County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Haywood County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Haywood County?
How does Haywood County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Haywood County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Haywood 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.