Rhea County Disaster Risk
Rhea County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
49th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#54
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
63th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Rhea County, Tennessee
Rhea County faces relatively low risk
Rhea County's composite risk score of 49.17 sits just below the national average, placing it in the relatively low risk category. The county experiences moderate but manageable natural disaster exposure compared to most U.S. communities.
Slightly below Tennessee average
Rhea County scores 49.17 versus Tennessee's state average of 52.45, ranking it near the statewide median for disaster risk. The county represents a typical risk profile within Tennessee's broader landscape.
Moderate risk compared to region
Rhea County (49.17) presents higher risk than Perry County (33.40) and Polk County (31.17), but lower than Putnam County (65.84) and substantially lower than Obion County (81.30). The county occupies the middle-ground of regional disaster exposure.
Flood and earthquake threats significant
Flood risk (62.72) and earthquake risk (75.86) represent Rhea County's primary hazards, with wildfire risk (48.28) and tornado risk (56.46) adding secondary concerns. Together, these four hazards create a diverse natural disaster profile.
Secure flood and earthquake coverage
Rhea County homeowners should maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance and strongly consider both federal flood insurance and separate earthquake coverage given the county's 62.72 flood risk and 75.86 seismic risk. Residents in flood-prone valleys should prioritize FEMA flood insurance enrollment.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Rhea County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Rhea County
Risk Verdict
At the 49th percentile nationally, Rhea County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Residents of Rhea County can use the 49th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Rhea County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 76th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (56th percentile), wildfire (48th percentile), hurricane (47th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Rhea County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 76th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. The county's flood risk at the 63th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. After a major earthquake, Rhea County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
At 3.3 points from the Tennessee county mean, Rhea County's overall disaster risk profile is close to typical for this state, with no dramatic deviation in either direction.
Is your household prepared for Rhea County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Rhea County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Rhea County?
How does Rhea County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Rhea County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Rhea 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.