Perry County Disaster Risk
Perry County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
33th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#71
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
47th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Perry County, Tennessee
Perry County has very low disaster risk
Perry County's composite risk score of 33.40 sits meaningfully below the national average, placing it in the very low risk category. The county's geographic position provides substantial protection against most major natural disasters.
Safe compared to Tennessee average
Perry County's score of 33.40 is substantially lower than Tennessee's state average of 52.45, positioning the county among safer communities statewide. The county ranks well below the state median for disaster exposure.
Safer than Putnam and Rhea counties
Perry County (33.40) presents lower risk than nearby Putnam County (65.84) and Rhea County (49.17), though it faces slightly higher exposure than Pickett County (4.61). The county occupies a relatively safe position in the region's risk hierarchy.
Tornado and earthquake merit attention
Tornado risk (60.15) and earthquake risk (72.49) are Perry County's primary hazards, with flood risk (47.14) presenting a secondary concern. Together, these three hazards account for most of the county's disaster exposure.
Consider earthquake and flood coverage
Perry County homeowners should maintain robust homeowners insurance with wind and tornado protections, plus consider supplemental earthquake coverage given the county's 72.49 seismic risk. Residents in flood-prone areas should verify federal flood insurance eligibility through FEMA.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Perry County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Perry County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Perry County ranks at the 33th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Perry County's favorable 33th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Perry County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 72th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (47th percentile), hurricane (42th percentile), wildfire (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With earthquake ranked as the top hazard at the 72th percentile nationally, Perry County residents benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance: standard policies rarely cover earthquake damage, and separate earthquake insurance must be purchased before an event. Tornado at the 60th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Perry County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Earthquake insurance in Perry County is typically offered as a separate policy — standard homeowners coverage excludes ground movement. Reviewing this gap and comparing policy options before an event is a financial preparedness step with potentially large consequences.
Regional Context
At 19.1 points below the Tennessee state average, Perry County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Perry County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Perry County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Perry County?
How does Perry County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Perry County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Perry County a safe place to live?
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.