Johnson County Disaster Risk
Johnson County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
28th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#75
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
47th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Johnson County, Tennessee
Johnson County well below state risk
Johnson County's composite risk score of 28.18 places it in the very low category, well below Tennessee's state average of 52.45. This favorable rating reflects relatively low exposure to most major natural hazards compared to national and regional peers.
Among lowest-risk Tennessee counties
With a score of 28.18, Johnson County ranks among Tennessee's safest counties for natural disaster exposure. The county sits substantially below the state average of 52.45, offering residents markedly better protection than most statewide peers.
Safer than Jackson and Hickman
Johnson County (28.18) outperforms both Jackson County (22.52) and Hickman County (47.17) in composite risk, though Jackson technically scores lower overall. Johnson's uniqueness lies in elevated wildfire risk (54.87) and hurricane exposure (51.15), considerably higher than neighbors.
Wildfire and hurricane threats peak
Johnson County faces exceptional wildfire risk at 54.87 and hurricane risk at 51.15—both substantially above state and national averages and representing the county's primary hazards. Flood risk (47.17) remains moderate, while earthquake and tornado risks stay relatively low.
Emphasize wildfire and wind coverage
Johnson County homeowners should prioritize wildfire and hurricane wind coverage in their policies, given the county's 54.87 wildfire score and 51.15 hurricane risk. Creating defensible space around homes and updating roofing materials offers practical protection against these elevated threats.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Johnson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Johnson County
Risk Verdict
At the 28th percentile nationally, Johnson County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. The 28th percentile national ranking is one lens; Johnson County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Johnson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 55th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 51th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (47th percentile), earthquake (47th percentile), tornado (25th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Johnson County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 55th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Johnson County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. Alongside wildfire, hurricane at the 51th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Johnson County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 24.3 points below the Tennessee state average puts Johnson County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Johnson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Johnson County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Johnson County?
How does Johnson County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Johnson County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Johnson 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.