Knox County Disaster Risk
Knox County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
92th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#4
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
93th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Knox County, Tennessee
Knox County faces highest state risks
Knox County scores 92.11 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively moderate category and significantly above Tennessee's state average of 52.45. This elevated rating reflects substantial exposure across nearly all major natural hazard types.
Highest-risk county in Tennessee
With a score of 92.11, Knox County ranks as Tennessee's highest-risk county for natural disaster exposure, nearly double the state average of 52.45. The county faces compounding hazards across tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, and windstorms—requiring comprehensive preparedness.
Far exceeds neighboring counties
Knox County (92.11) dramatically outpaces all neighboring counties in composite risk, with scores nearly 2-3 times higher than surrounding areas. The county's tornado risk (96.72) and earthquake risk (96.76) both rank among the nation's highest, substantially exceeding regional peers.
Multiple severe hazards converge
Knox County faces exceptional tornado risk (96.72) and earthquake risk (96.76)—among the highest in the nation—while also dealing with significant flood risk (92.78) and elevated wildfire exposure (62.98). This convergence of multiple major hazards makes Knox one of Tennessee's most disaster-prone counties.
Comprehensive multi-hazard coverage critical
Knox County homeowners should obtain full coverage for tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, and windstorms through policies or additional riders, as standard homeowners insurance excludes floods and earthquakes. Safe room construction, emergency supplies, and detailed family disaster plans are essential given the county's exceptional, compounding hazard exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Knox County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Knox County
Risk Verdict
At the 92th percentile nationally, Knox County sits in the upper half of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Knox County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Knox County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 97th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (93th percentile), hurricane (66th percentile), wildfire (63th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With earthquake ranked as the top hazard at the 97th percentile nationally, Knox County residents benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance: standard policies rarely cover earthquake damage, and separate earthquake insurance must be purchased before an event. Tornado at the 97th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Knox County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Earthquake insurance in Knox County is typically offered as a separate policy — standard homeowners coverage excludes ground movement. Reviewing this gap and comparing policy options before an event is a financial preparedness step with potentially large consequences.
Regional Context
The Tennessee county average is 39.7 composite points below Knox County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Knox County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Knox County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Knox County?
How does Knox County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Knox County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Knox 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.