Roane County Disaster Risk
Roane County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
69th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#29
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
70th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% 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 72% 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 49% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Roane County, Tennessee
Roane's risk sits above national average
Roane County scores 68.99 on composite risk, earning a Relatively Low rating but running 31% higher than the national average. This means residents face moderate exposure to natural hazards compared to most American counties. The gap reflects Tennessee's geography and exposure to multiple weather-related threats.
Middle of the pack in Tennessee
At 68.99, Roane scores notably higher than Tennessee's state average of 52.45, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's 95 counties. This ranks Roane as more exposed to natural hazards than most of its peers statewide. Only counties with significant urban density or geographic vulnerability score higher.
Higher risk than nearby counties
Roane's 68.99 composite score outpaces Sequatchie County (40.17) and Scott County (26.11), though it trails Sevier County (77.39) to the east. Its earthquake risk of 86.32 stands notably above regional neighbors, while tornado risk (71.85) remains consistently elevated across East Tennessee. Residents should view Roane as a moderate-to-higher-risk zone within its regional context.
Earthquakes and tornadoes top the list
Roane faces its highest hazard from earthquakes (86.32) and tornadoes (71.85), both substantially above state average. Flood risk (69.88) rounds out the top three, reflecting the county's position along the Clinch and Emory Rivers and vulnerable low-lying areas. These three hazards account for the bulk of Roane's overall risk profile.
Secure coverage before disaster strikes
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover earthquakes or flooding—two of Roane's biggest risks—so separate policies are critical. Verify that your homeowners policy includes tornado and wind coverage with adequate limits, and strongly consider earthquake and flood insurance given your county's exposure scores. Talk with a local agent about bundling these protections at a lower rate.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Roane County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Roane County
Risk Verdict
Roane County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 69th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Roane County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Roane County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 72th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (70th percentile), hurricane (49th percentile), wildfire (48th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake risk is Roane County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 86th 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. Alongside earthquake exposure, Roane County's tornado risk at the 72th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Roane 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
Roane County's composite risk score sits 16.5 points above the Tennessee county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Roane County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Roane County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Roane County?
How does Roane County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Roane County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Roane 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.