Marion County Disaster Risk
Marion County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
58th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#45
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
61th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Marion County, Tennessee
Marion County carries moderate risk
Marion County scores 58.24 on the composite risk index with a Relatively Low rating, slightly above Tennessee's average of 52.45. The county's risk is balanced across flood, wildfire, and tornado exposures.
Mid-range risk statewide
Marion County ranks near the median among Tennessee's counties for natural disaster risk. Its composite score places it just above average relative to state peers, with no single hazard dominating.
Similar to Lincoln County profile
Marion County's 58.24 score closely mirrors Lincoln County (58.91) to the east, creating a consistent mid-range risk zone in south-central Tennessee. Both counties face meaningful tornado and flood threats.
Tornadoes and wildfires are notable
Tornadoes at 81.84 are Marion County's primary concern, followed by wildfire risk at 59.67—an unusually high wildfire ranking for Tennessee. Flood exposure at 61.39 rounds out your three main hazard categories.
Prioritize flood and wildfire coverage
Flood insurance is important given Marion County's 61.39 flood risk; separate policies are required since standard homeowners insurance excludes water damage. If you live near woodland or forested areas, confirm wildfire coverage (59.67) is included in your policy.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Marion County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Marion County
Risk Verdict
At the 58th percentile nationally, Marion County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Marion County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Marion County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (61th percentile), wildfire (60th percentile), hurricane (38th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Marion County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 82th percentile nationally. In Marion County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. The secondary earthquake hazard at the 70th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Marion County's preparedness calendar, since earthquake and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Marion County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Marion County households.
Regional Context
Marion County falls 5.8 points above Tennessee's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Marion County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Marion County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Marion County?
How does Marion County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Marion County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Marion 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.