Rutherford County Disaster Risk
Rutherford County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
92th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#6
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
93th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Rutherford County, Tennessee
Rutherford faces significantly elevated disaster risk
Rutherford County scores 91.73 on composite risk—a Relatively Moderate rating and nearly double the national average of approximately 50. This makes Rutherford one of the most hazard-exposed counties in America, driven by extreme tornado, flood, and earthquake risks. The county ranks among the top 5% riskiest in the nation.
Highest risk county in Tennessee
At 91.73, Rutherford's composite score towers 75% above Tennessee's state average of 52.45, making it the state's most disaster-exposed county by a wide margin. No other Tennessee county combines tornado, flood, and earthquake risks at this intensity. Rutherford residents face hazards that exceed those in 98% of the state.
Dramatically outpaces all neighboring counties
Rutherford (91.73) far exceeds nearby Robertson (60.43) and ranks as the risk outlier in Middle Tennessee. Its composite score is 17 points higher than the regional average, driven by exceptionally high tornado (94.97) and flood (93.38) risks. No adjacent county comes close to Rutherford's hazard exposure.
Tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes converge here
Rutherford's tornado risk reaches 94.97—among the nation's highest—while flood risk (93.38) reflects vulnerability along the Stones River and extensive development in flood-prone areas. Earthquake risk (94.82) adds a third major threat, creating a uniquely hazardous environment. Together, these three hazards create conditions that demand serious preparedness investment.
Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable here
Homeowners in Rutherford must secure flood insurance immediately—standard policies exclude it, and the county's 93.38 flood score makes coverage essential. Add earthquake insurance and verify tornado/wind coverage is adequate; consider an umbrella policy for additional liability protection. With Rutherford ranking among America's most hazardous counties, full insurance protection is a critical investment.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Rutherford County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Rutherford County
Risk Verdict
At the 92th percentile nationally, Rutherford County sits in the upper half of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Rutherford County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Rutherford County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 95th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (93th percentile), hurricane (53th percentile), wildfire (43th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 95th percentile nationally makes Rutherford County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. Alongside tornado exposure, earthquake at the 95th percentile nationally means Rutherford County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. In Rutherford County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
The Tennessee county average is 39.3 composite points below Rutherford County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Rutherford County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Rutherford County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Rutherford County?
How does Rutherford County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Rutherford County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Rutherford 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.