Macon County Disaster Risk
Macon County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
35th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#69
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
31th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Macon County, Tennessee
Macon County enjoys very low risk
Macon County scores 34.57 on the composite risk index with a Very Low rating, placing it well below Tennessee's average of 52.45. The county benefits from minimal flood, wildfire, and hurricane exposure relative to most of the state.
Among Tennessee's safest counties
Macon County ranks in the lower-risk tier statewide for natural disasters. Its very low rating reflects consistent protection across most hazard categories, making it one of the state's more secure counties.
Safer than surrounding counties
Macon County's 34.57 score is substantially lower than neighboring Sumner (higher risk) and Robertson counties. The county forms a low-risk pocket in north-central Tennessee.
Tornadoes represent modest threat
Macon County's highest risk—tornadoes at 68.92—remains below state averages and poses only modest concern relative to other Tennessee counties. Flood, wildfire, and hurricane risks are all quite low.
Standard homeowners insurance suffices
Macon County's low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for natural disasters. You can skip earthquake and flood insurance unless you have specific property-based vulnerabilities.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Macon County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Macon County
Risk Verdict
Macon County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 35th percentile nationally. The 35th percentile national ranking is one lens; Macon County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Macon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 69th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (31th percentile), hurricane (26th percentile), wildfire (12th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 73th percentile nationally for earthquake exposure, Macon County households benefit from practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On — the protocol that minimizes injury during shaking. Getting under a sturdy table or desk and holding on until shaking stops is the key action. Tornado at the 69th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Macon County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Building age matters for earthquake risk in Macon County: structures built before local seismic code adoption are statistically more vulnerable. Contacting the local building department about retrofit programs can reveal whether your structure qualifies for mitigation assistance.
Regional Context
Macon County falls 17.9 points below Tennessee's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Macon County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Macon County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Macon County?
How does Macon County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Macon County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Macon 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.