Monroe County Disaster Risk
Monroe County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
61th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#41
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
65th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Monroe County, Tennessee
Monroe County faces above-average risk
Monroe County's composite risk score of 60.91 exceeds Tennessee's state average of 52.45, reflecting above-average exposure to multiple natural disaster hazards. This elevated profile warrants heightened preparedness and insurance attention.
Upper-middle risk tier in Tennessee
Monroe County ranks in the upper-middle range of Tennessee's disaster risk hierarchy, safer than Maury and Montgomery counties but riskier than Meigs and Marshall counties. Its balanced but elevated hazard mix reflects East Tennessee's complex geology and weather patterns.
Similar risk to McMinn, lower than Maury
Monroe County (60.91) poses comparable risk to neighboring McMinn County (60.24) but trails significantly behind Maury County (79.29). It substantially outranks the safety levels of Marshall County (45.42) and McNairy County (50.54).
Earthquakes and wildfires create dual threat
Monroe County faces the highest earthquake risk at 89.06 and considerable wildfire risk at 68.58, making it uniquely vulnerable to ground instability and forest fires. Tornado risk (63.77), flood risk (65.08), and hurricane risk (60.33) add multiple concurrent hazards.
Earthquake and wildfire coverage critical
Monroe County residents should prioritize earthquake insurance and verify wildfire coverage—especially those with forested properties—as these represent the county's top dual hazards. Flood insurance and comprehensive wind protection should complete a robust coverage strategy.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Monroe County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Monroe County
Risk Verdict
Monroe County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 61th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Monroe County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Monroe County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 69th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (65th percentile), tornado (64th percentile), hurricane (60th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 89th percentile nationally for earthquake risk, Monroe County is in a zone where a post-earthquake communications plan matters almost as much as pre-earthquake structural preparation — phone networks are typically congested for hours after a significant event. Wildfire at the 69th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Monroe County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. For Monroe County households, the three highest-impact earthquake preparedness actions are: (1) anchor heavy furniture and water heaters, (2) store three days of water at one gallon per person per day, and (3) identify a family reunification plan for the post-quake communication blackout period.
Regional Context
A composite score 8.5 points above the Tennessee state average puts Monroe County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Monroe County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Monroe County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Monroe County?
How does Monroe County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Monroe County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Monroe 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.