riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Unicoi County Disaster Risk

Unicoi County, Tennessee

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

11th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#91

of 95 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

27th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 27% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 33% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 17% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 44% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 34% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Unicoi County, Tennessee

Unicoi County enjoys low risk

Unicoi County's composite risk score of 10.59 falls well below the national average, carrying a Very Low overall rating. Your county sits in the safest tier for natural disasters across the United States.

Among Tennessee's safest counties

At 10.59, Unicoi County scores 80% below Tennessee's state average of 52.45, placing it firmly in the lowest-risk group. Few Tennessee counties match your relative natural disaster safety.

Safer than nearby Sullivan County

Unicoi County's 10.59 score is dramatically lower than adjacent Sullivan County (71.47), despite sharing the northeastern Tennessee region. Your higher elevation and isolated position provide substantial natural protection.

Wildfire and hurricane are notable

Wildfire risk at 32.51 and hurricane exposure at 34.17 represent your highest hazard scores, though both remain moderate. Earthquake (43.80) and flood (27.42) risks are secondary concerns in your county.

Standard insurance provides good coverage

A comprehensive homeowners policy should adequately protect your property given your county's low risk profile. If you live near forested areas, maintain clear zones around your home to reduce wildfire exposure.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Unicoi County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    44th percentile
  2. #2
    HurricanePrepare
    34th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    33th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Unicoi County

Risk Verdict

Unicoi County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 11th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. The 11th percentile national ranking is one lens; Unicoi County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Unicoi County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 44th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 34th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (33th percentile), flood (27th percentile), tornado (17th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Unicoi County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 44th 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. Hurricane at the 34th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Unicoi County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. After a major earthquake, Unicoi 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

Compared to the Tennessee county average, Unicoi County's composite score runs 41.9 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.

Is your household prepared for Unicoi County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Unicoi County, TN?
Unicoi County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 11th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Unicoi County?
Unicoi County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (44th percentile), hurricane (34th percentile), wildfire (33th percentile), flooding (27th percentile), tornado (17th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 44th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Unicoi County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Unicoi County's composite risk percentile is 11th, compared to the Tennessee state average of 53th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Unicoi County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Tennessee.
Is Unicoi County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Unicoi County's earthquake risk is at the 44th percentile nationally. This is below the national median, indicating relatively lower exposure. For flooding specifically, Unicoi County is at the 27th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Unicoi County a safe place to live?
Unicoi County's composite risk score of 11th percentile is below the Tennessee state average of 53th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is earthquake at the 44th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Moore County

Tennessee

-0.7

Very Low

10th percentile

Hancock County

Tennessee

+1.3

Very Low

12th percentile

Meigs County

Tennessee

+2.1

Very Low

13th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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