Putnam County Disaster Risk
Putnam County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
66th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#32
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
60th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Putnam County, Tennessee
Putnam County faces elevated risk
Putnam County's composite risk score of 65.84 substantially exceeds the national average, placing it in the relatively low category but near the upper range. The county faces concentrated natural disaster exposure, particularly for tornadoes and earthquakes.
Higher-risk county in Tennessee
Putnam County scores 65.84 compared to Tennessee's state average of 52.45, placing it among the state's higher-risk communities. The county's elevated disaster exposure distinguishes it from much of Tennessee.
Riskier than most surrounding counties
Putnam County (65.84) faces significantly higher disaster risk than nearby Perry County (33.40), Overton County (22.23), and Morgan County (19.05). Only Obion County (81.30) and Rhea County (49.17) present comparable or higher risk profiles in the broader region.
Tornado and earthquake dominate threats
Tornado risk (86.90) presents Putnam County's most acute hazard, among Tennessee's highest, while earthquake risk (85.72) compounds the threat significantly. Flood risk (60.24) adds a third substantial concern affecting property in low-lying areas.
Prioritize tornado and earthquake protection
Putnam County residents must maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance with strong wind and tornado coverage, plus secure separate earthquake insurance given the county's 85.72 seismic risk. Constructing or upgrading to a storm shelter should be a priority investment for families.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Putnam County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Putnam County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Putnam County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 66th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Putnam County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Putnam County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 86th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (60th percentile), hurricane (48th percentile), wildfire (27th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 87th percentile nationally, Putnam 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. Earthquake is the second hazard driver for Putnam County at the 86th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and earthquake-specific warning systems. For Putnam 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
Putnam County is 13.4 composite risk points above the Tennessee average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Putnam County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Putnam County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Putnam County?
How does Putnam County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Putnam County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Putnam 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.