Lincoln County Disaster Risk
Lincoln County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
59th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#44
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 15% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lincoln County, Tennessee
Lincoln County faces moderate risk
Lincoln County scores 58.91 on the composite risk index with a Relatively Low rating, but this exceeds Tennessee's average of 52.45 by 6.5 points. The county's risk is distributed across tornado, flood, and earthquake hazards.
Middle-of-pack risk in Tennessee
Lincoln County ranks near the median among Tennessee's counties for natural disaster risk. Its composite score places it slightly above average relative to state peers, driven by solid tornado and flood exposure.
Similar risk to Lawrence and Marion
Lincoln County's 58.91 score closely mirrors Lawrence (69.66) and Marion (58.24) counties to the north, making this a moderately consistent risk zone in south-central Tennessee. All three counties face meaningful tornado and flood threats.
Tornadoes and floods pose real threats
Tornadoes are your primary risk at 85.56, followed closely by flood exposure at 57.00—both above state averages. Earthquakes also register notable concern at 80.44, creating a three-tiered hazard landscape.
Combine flood and storm insurance
Flood insurance is important for Lincoln County given its 57.00 flood risk; obtain a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program. Ensure comprehensive windstorm and hail coverage rounds out your tornado protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lincoln County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lincoln County
Risk Verdict
Lincoln County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 59th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Lincoln County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Lincoln County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 80th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (57th percentile), hurricane (54th percentile), wildfire (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado risk is Lincoln County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 86th percentile nationally. For Lincoln County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. The secondary earthquake hazard at the 80th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Lincoln County's preparedness calendar, since earthquake and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Lincoln County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.
Regional Context
Lincoln County's composite risk score sits 6.5 points above the Tennessee county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Lincoln County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lincoln County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Lincoln County?
How does Lincoln County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Lincoln County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Lincoln 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.