Sumner County Disaster Risk
Sumner County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
88th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#7
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
89th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sumner County, Tennessee
Sumner County faces substantial risk
Sumner County's composite risk score of 87.66 substantially exceeds the national average, earning a Relatively Moderate rating. This elevated score reflects serious exposure across multiple hazard types that demand proactive preparation.
Among Tennessee's riskiest counties
At 87.66, Sumner County scores 67% higher than Tennessee's state average of 52.45, placing it in the upper tier of risk statewide. You face greater disaster exposure than the vast majority of Tennessee counties.
Riskier than surrounding areas
Sumner County's 87.66 score substantially exceeds Tipton County (81.04) and significantly surpasses Sullivan County (71.47) to the east. Your location in the central Nashville region concentrates exposure to tornadoes and flooding.
Tornadoes and flooding dominate
Tornado risk of 95.55 ranks among the highest in the state, while flood risk at 88.64 creates dual exposure. Earthquake risk (91.70) also ranks notably high, though less frequent than tornado and flood events.
Prioritize flood and storm protection
Flood insurance is non-negotiable with a score of 88.64—standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Install or reinforce a safe room for tornado shelter, ensure sump pump backup power, and document all property with photos for insurance claims.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sumner County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sumner County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard risk in Sumner County is higher than the majority of U.S. counties, with a national composite rank of 88th. Sumner County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Sumner County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 92th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (89th percentile), wildfire (38th percentile), hurricane (33th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 96th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Sumner County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. Sumner County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. Earthquake is the second hazard driver for Sumner County at the 92th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and earthquake-specific warning systems. Sumner County residents can check the county's emergency management website for community shelter locations nearest their address — a step worth completing now, not during a warning.
Regional Context
A composite score 35.2 points above the Tennessee state average puts Sumner County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Sumner County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sumner County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Sumner County?
How does Sumner County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Sumner County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Sumner 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.