Lewis County Disaster Risk
Lewis County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
14th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#85
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
13th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lewis County, Tennessee
Lewis County enjoys very low risk
Lewis County scores just 13.93 on the composite risk index—the lowest among these eight counties—earning a Very Low rating. At less than 27% of Tennessee's average of 52.45, Lewis is among the safest counties in the state for natural disasters.
Tennessee's safest natural disaster zone
Lewis County ranks among the lowest-risk counties statewide for composite natural disaster exposure. Its very low rating reflects minimal flood, wildfire, and hurricane threats compared to nearly all other Tennessee counties.
Significantly safer than surrounding areas
Lewis County's risk profile is dramatically lower than all adjacent counties, including Lawrence (69.66) and Lincoln (58.91) to the north and south. The county enjoys a meaningful safety advantage in central Tennessee.
Tornadoes pose modest concern
Even Lewis County's highest risk—tornadoes at 59.19—falls well below state and regional norms. Flood risk (13.33) and wildfire risk (9.38) are minimal, making this one of Tennessee's most naturally secure counties.
Standard coverage meets your needs
A standard homeowners policy is typically sufficient for Lewis County's low natural disaster risk profile. You may skip earthquake and flood insurance unless you have specific property vulnerabilities, allowing you to allocate resources to other protection priorities.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lewis County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lewis County
Risk Verdict
Lewis County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 14th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Lewis County residents can take confidence from a 14th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Lewis County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 71th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 59th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (37th percentile), flood (13th percentile), wildfire (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Lewis County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 71th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. The county's tornado risk at the 59th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. After a major earthquake, Lewis County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
Compared to the Tennessee county average, Lewis County's composite score runs 38.5 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Lewis County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lewis County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Lewis County?
How does Lewis County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Lewis County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Lewis 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.