Sevier County Disaster Risk
Sevier County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
77th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#17
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
84th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sevier County, Tennessee
Sevier faces well-above-average national risk
Sevier County scores 77.39 on composite risk—a Relatively Low rating that still runs 55% higher than the national average. This reflects Sevier's position as one of America's more hazard-exposed counties, driven by high flood, wildfire, and earthquake risks concentrated in its mountain terrain. The gap illustrates how Appalachian geography creates compounded natural disaster exposure.
Upper tier of Tennessee's riskier counties
At 77.39, Sevier sits 47% above Tennessee's state average of 52.45, placing it in the state's top quartile for composite risk. Only Rutherford (91.73) and Shelby (99.36) exceed Sevier's hazard exposure among Tennessee's 95 counties. Sevier residents face significantly more natural disaster risk than their counterparts across most of the state.
Riskiest of the East Tennessee counties
Sevier (77.39) dramatically outpaces nearby Sequatchie (40.17) and Roane (68.99), driven by the county's heavy concentration in the Great Smoky Mountains and tourism corridors. Its wildfire risk (78.72) and flood risk (84.06) are the state's second-highest after Rutherford. Sevier represents a high-hazard zone even by East Tennessee standards.
Floods and wildfires dominate the threat landscape
Sevier's flood risk reaches 84.06—second only to Rutherford in the state—reflecting mountain streams, river valleys, and development in vulnerable areas. Wildfire risk (78.72) is equally alarming, with dense forest, rugged terrain, and rapid fire spread. Earthquake (90.01) and tornado (70.93) risks round out a portfolio of serious, convergent hazards.
Flood and wildfire coverage are essential
Flood insurance is non-negotiable in Sevier County—obtain a policy before disaster strikes, as coverage typically requires a 30-day waiting period. Verify that your homeowners policy includes wildfire protection and maintain defensible space of at least 100 feet around structures. Consider earthquake insurance as well, given Sevier's 90.01 earthquake score, and review all three policies annually for adequacy.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sevier County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sevier County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Sevier County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 77th percentile. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Sevier County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 90th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 84th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (79th percentile), tornado (71th percentile), hurricane (56th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 90th percentile nationally puts Sevier County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. The county's flood risk at the 84th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Sevier County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.
Regional Context
Sevier County is 24.9 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 Sevier County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sevier County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Sevier County?
How does Sevier County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Sevier County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Sevier 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.