Houston County Disaster Risk
Houston County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
13th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#87
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
14th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Houston County, Tennessee
Houston County among safest in nation
Houston County's composite risk score of 13.10 ranks it in the very low category—significantly below Tennessee's state average of 52.45 and among the lowest-risk counties nationally. This exceptional rating reflects minimal exposure to most major natural hazards.
Lowest-risk county in Tennessee
With a score of 13.10, Houston County ranks as one of Tennessee's safest counties for natural disaster exposure. The county substantially beats the state average of 52.45, offering residents considerably lower overall risk compared to peers statewide.
Far safer than Jackson County
Houston County (13.10) significantly outperforms Jackson County (22.52), a neighboring region with roughly double the composite risk. Both share low wildfire risk, but Houston's tornado exposure at 45.87 remains the lowest among its regional peers.
Earthquakes pose modest concern
Houston County's greatest natural hazard exposure comes from earthquake risk at 72.33, though this remains well-controlled overall. Tornado risk (45.87) and flood risk (13.99) are both low, while wildfire risk is minimal at just 2.96.
Standard coverage generally sufficient
Houston County's low risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides solid protection for most residents. However, a separate earthquake policy is still recommended given the county's moderate seismic exposure of 72.33.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Houston County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Houston County
Risk Verdict
Houston County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 13th percentile nationally. Residents of Houston County can use the 13th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Houston County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 72th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 46th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (25th percentile), flood (14th percentile), wildfire (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 72th percentile nationally for earthquake exposure, Houston 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. The county's tornado risk at the 46th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Building age matters for earthquake risk in Houston 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
Houston County falls 39.3 points below Tennessee's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Houston County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Houston County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Houston County?
How does Houston County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Houston County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Houston 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.