Lawrence County Disaster Risk
Lawrence County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
70th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#27
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
57th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lawrence County, Tennessee
Lawrence County faces above-average risk
Lawrence County scores 69.66 on the composite risk index with a Relatively Low rating, but this sits 17.2 points above Tennessee's average of 52.45. The county's risk profile is shaped by significant tornado and flood exposure.
Upper-middle risk tier in Tennessee
Lawrence County ranks among the higher-risk counties in Tennessee, placing it above roughly 60% of the state's other counties. Its tornado risk of 91.28 is particularly notable compared to state peers.
Highest risk in south-central cluster
Lawrence County's risk profile exceeds neighboring Maury and Giles counties, primarily due to elevated tornado (91.28) and flood (56.93) risks. Only Madison County to the north poses comparable threat levels in the immediate region.
Tornadoes and flooding are primary threats
Tornadoes represent your most significant natural disaster risk at 91.28, followed by flood hazard at 56.93—both well above state averages. Earthquake risk of 89.15 adds a third dimension of vulnerability often overlooked in this region.
Get flood insurance and storm coverage
Flood insurance is essential in Lawrence County due to your 56.93 flood risk score; standard homeowners policies exclude water damage. Verify your windstorm and hail coverage is adequate to handle severe tornado-season weather.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lawrence County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lawrence County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Lawrence County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 70th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Lawrence County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Lawrence County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 89th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (57th percentile), hurricane (55th percentile), wildfire (14th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 91th percentile nationally, Lawrence County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. Earthquake is the second hazard driver for Lawrence County at the 89th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and earthquake-specific warning systems. For Lawrence County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Lawrence County is 17.2 composite risk points above the Tennessee average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Lawrence County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lawrence County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Lawrence County?
How does Lawrence County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Lawrence County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Lawrence 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.