Pickett County Disaster Risk
Pickett County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
5th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#94
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
9th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pickett County, Tennessee
Pickett County is Tennessee's safest
Pickett County's composite risk score of 4.61 represents one of the lowest disaster exposure levels in the nation, placing it in the very low risk category. The county's geographic isolation provides exceptional protection across virtually all natural hazard types.
Lowest-risk county in Tennessee
Pickett County ranks at the absolute bottom of Tennessee's disaster risk scale with a score of 4.61, compared to the state average of 52.45. No other Tennessee county matches Pickett's exceptional safety profile.
Significantly safer than all neighbors
Pickett County (4.61) stands dramatically safer than surrounding counties including Overton (22.23), Morgan (19.05), and all other regional neighbors. The county represents an exceptional pocket of natural disaster safety in Tennessee.
All hazards present minimal risk
Pickett County's highest individual hazard scores remain remarkably low: earthquake risk (34.06), hurricane risk (35.59), and tornado risk (25.73) all fall well below state averages. Flood and wildfire risks are among the nation's lowest at 9.19 and 12.05 respectively.
Standard insurance provides adequate protection
Pickett County residents should maintain basic homeowners insurance as a standard financial safeguard, though the county's exceptional safety profile limits the need for supplemental disaster coverage. Standard policies adequately address the county's minimal hazard exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pickett County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pickett County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Pickett County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 5th percentile. At the 5th percentile, Pickett County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Pickett County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 36th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 34th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (26th percentile), wildfire (12th percentile), flood (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 36th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, Pickett County is in a zone where flood insurance matters beyond the primary wind risk: NFIP flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period before taking effect, making off-season enrollment the correct timing. Pickett County's earthquake exposure at the 34th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For Pickett County households, the hurricane preparedness calendar matters: flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, wind-hardening retrofits take weeks to schedule, and evacuation route scouting is best done before a storm watch is issued.
Regional Context
Pickett County is 47.8 composite risk points below the Tennessee state mean, meaning most other Tennessee counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Pickett County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pickett County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Pickett County?
How does Pickett County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Pickett County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Pickett 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.