Jackson County Disaster Risk
Jackson County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
23th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#80
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
37th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Jackson County, Tennessee
Jackson County well below state risk
Jackson County's composite risk score of 22.52 places it in the very low category, nearly 30 points below Tennessee's state average of 52.45. This strong safety profile reflects minimal exposure to most major natural hazards.
Among Tennessee's safest counties
With a score of 22.52, Jackson County ranks among Tennessee's lowest-risk counties for natural disaster exposure. The county substantially beats the state average of 52.45, offering residents considerably better protection than most peers statewide.
Safer than Houston and Johnson
Jackson County (22.52) outperforms Houston County (13.10) on composite risk—though Houston remains the state's safest overall—and significantly beats Johnson County (28.18). Jackson's tornado risk (53.05) is notably higher than both neighbors, representing the county's primary natural hazard.
Tornado risk stands out most
Jackson County's primary natural hazard exposure comes from tornado risk at 53.05, which exceeds the national average and represents the county's most significant threat. Flood risk (36.99) and earthquake risk (46.79) remain moderate, while wildfire and hurricane risks stay low.
Focus on tornado preparedness
Jackson County homeowners should ensure their policies include comprehensive wind and hail coverage to address the county's elevated tornado risk of 53.05. A community safe room or personal shelter plan offers the best additional protection for this primary hazard.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Jackson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Jackson County
Risk Verdict
Jackson County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 23th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Being ranked at the 23th percentile nationally is an advantage for Jackson County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Jackson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 53th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 47th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (37th percentile), hurricane (25th percentile), wildfire (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Jackson County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 53th percentile nationally. In Jackson County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Earthquake is the second hazard driver for Jackson County at the 47th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and earthquake-specific warning systems. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Jackson County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Jackson County households.
Regional Context
Compared to the Tennessee county average, Jackson County's composite score runs 29.9 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Jackson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Jackson County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Jackson County?
How does Jackson County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Jackson County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Jackson 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.