riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Moore County Disaster Risk

Moore County, Tennessee

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

10th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#92

of 95 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

19th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 19% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 2% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 51% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 48% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 33% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Moore County, Tennessee

Moore County among the safest nationwide

Moore County's composite risk score of 9.92 ranks it as one of Tennessee's—and America's—lowest-risk counties, well below the state average of 52.45. This exceptionally safe profile reflects minimal natural disaster hazard overlap.

Tennessee's second-safest county

Moore County ties with Meigs County as Tennessee's safest community, with a risk score of 9.92 placing it in the "very low" category. Only a handful of U.S. counties match this level of natural disaster safety.

Safest county in its region by far

Moore County (9.92) stands out as an island of safety compared to surrounding counties like McNairy (50.54), Marshall (45.42), and Maury (79.29). Its risk profile is exceptional in comparative context.

All hazards remain well below average

Moore County's highest individual risk is tornado exposure at 50.54, which remains below state average; earthquake (47.52), hurricane (32.58), and flood (19.24) risks are all minimal. Wildfire risk stands at just 2.42, the lowest in this dataset.

Standard homeowners insurance generally sufficient

Moore County residents can rely on standard homeowners policies for comprehensive protection given the county's exceptional overall safety profile. Consider earthquake insurance only if home value is substantial; specialized hazard coverage is less critical than in higher-risk counties.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Moore County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    51th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    48th percentile
  3. #3
    HurricanePrepare
    33th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Moore County

Risk Verdict

Moore County's overall natural disaster score at the 10th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Being ranked at the 10th percentile nationally is an advantage for Moore County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Moore County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 51th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 48th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (33th percentile), flood (19th percentile), wildfire (2th percentile).

Preparedness Context

With tornado ranked at the 51th percentile nationally, Moore County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. The secondary earthquake hazard at the 48th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Moore County's preparedness calendar, since earthquake and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Moore County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.

Regional Context

Moore County's composite risk score sits 42.5 points below the Tennessee county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.

Is your household prepared for Moore County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Moore County, TN?
Moore County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 10th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Moore County?
Moore County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (51th percentile), earthquake (48th percentile), hurricane (33th percentile), flooding (19th percentile), wildfire (2th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 51th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Moore County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Moore County's composite risk percentile is 10th, compared to the Tennessee state average of 53th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Moore County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Tennessee.
Is Moore County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Moore County's tornado risk is at the 51th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Moore County is at the 19th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Moore County a safe place to live?
Moore County's composite risk score of 10th percentile is below the Tennessee state average of 53th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is tornado at the 51th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.