Madison County Disaster Risk
Madison County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
92th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#5
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
73th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% 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 98% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Madison County, Tennessee
Madison County faces above-average risk
Madison County scores 92.08 on the composite risk index with a Relatively Moderate rating, far exceeding Tennessee's average of 52.45. This is the highest-risk county among the eight profiled, driven by exceptionally high tornado and earthquake exposure.
Top-tier risk in Tennessee
Madison County ranks among the highest-risk counties in Tennessee for natural disasters. Its 92.08 score places it in the upper 10% statewide for composite natural disaster exposure.
Significantly riskier than peers
Madison County's risk profile far exceeds adjacent Lauderdale (71.56), Lawrence (69.66), and all other neighboring counties in the region. It stands apart as the most hazard-exposed county in west-central Tennessee.
Tornadoes and earthquakes dominate
Tornadoes represent an exceptional threat at 97.20—among the highest in the nation—while earthquakes at 98.19 create equally severe seismic risk. Flood exposure of 72.65 adds a third critical hazard, making Madison uniquely vulnerable.
Comprehensive coverage is essential
Madison County residents need a comprehensive insurance portfolio: earthquake insurance (98.19 risk), flood insurance (72.65), and enhanced windstorm/hail coverage (97.20 tornado risk). Review your policies annually to ensure limits match your property's replacement cost.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Madison County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Madison County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Madison County at the 92th percentile nationally — above average and worth proactive preparation. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Madison County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 97th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (73th percentile), hurricane (62th percentile), wildfire (43th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 98th percentile nationally puts Madison County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. The county's tornado risk at the 97th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Madison County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.
Regional Context
Madison County is 39.6 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 Madison County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Madison County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Madison County?
How does Madison County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Madison County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Madison 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.