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

Obion County Disaster Risk

Obion County, Tennessee

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Moderate

National Percentile

81th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#13

of 95 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

38th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 38% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 15% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 71% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively High

Higher than 97% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 48% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Obion County, Tennessee

Obion County faces relatively moderate risk

Obion County's composite risk score of 81.30 substantially exceeds the national average, placing it in the relatively moderate category for disaster exposure. This elevation is driven primarily by extreme earthquake risk and very high tornado vulnerability.

Higher-risk county in Tennessee

Obion County ranks significantly above the Tennessee state average of 52.45 with a score of 81.30, placing it among the state's riskier counties. The county faces notably concentrated hazards compared to most of its peers.

Riskier than surrounding counties

Obion County (81.30) faces substantially higher disaster risk than neighboring Morgan County (19.05) and Overton County (22.23). Its hazard profile is distinctly more challenging than most adjacent areas in the region.

Earthquake and tornado threats dominate

Earthquake risk (96.60) presents an exceptionally high threat in Obion County, ranking among Tennessee's most seismically vulnerable areas. Tornado risk (70.64) compounds the danger, while moderate flood risk (38.07) adds a third significant hazard.

Prioritize earthquake and tornado insurance

Obion County residents should secure comprehensive homeowners insurance and strongly consider separate earthquake coverage given the county's 96.60 seismic risk score. Storm shelters and reinforced safe rooms offer critical protection against the county's high tornado threat (70.64).

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Obion County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    97th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    71th percentile
  3. #3
    HurricanePrepare
    48th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Obion County

Risk Verdict

Obion County faces a moderate natural disaster risk profile, ranking at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's composite risk model. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Obion County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 71th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (48th percentile), flood (38th percentile), wildfire (15th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Earthquake risk is Obion County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. The county's tornado risk at the 71th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Obion County residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.

Regional Context

Obion County's composite risk score sits 28.8 points above the Tennessee county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Obion 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 Obion County, TN?
Obion County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Moderate, placing it in the 81th 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 Obion County?
Obion County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (97th percentile), tornado (71th percentile), hurricane (48th percentile), flooding (38th percentile), wildfire (15th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 97th 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 Obion County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Obion County's composite risk percentile is 81th, compared to the Tennessee state average of 53th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Obion County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Tennessee.
Is Obion County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Obion County's earthquake risk is at the 97th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Obion County is at the 38th 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.
Why is Obion County higher risk than average?
Obion County's composite risk score of 81th percentile is above the Tennessee state average of 53th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by earthquake exposure (97th percentile), along with tornado risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Tipton County

Tennessee

-0.3

Relatively Moderate

81th percentile

Wilson County

Tennessee

-1.3

Relatively Low

80th percentile

Maury County

Tennessee

-2.0

Relatively Low

79th percentile

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.

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