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

Union County Disaster Risk

Union County, Tennessee

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

13th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#88

of 95 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

26th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 26% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 50% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 35% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 60% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 23% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Union County, Tennessee

Union County faces minimal risk

Union County's composite risk score of 12.88 ranks among America's safest, earning a Very Low disaster rating. Your county benefits from exceptional natural hazard protection compared to national norms.

Third-safest in Tennessee

At 12.88, Union County scores 75% below Tennessee's state average of 52.45, securing a position among the state's lowest-risk counties. Only Trousdale and Van Buren counties surpass your safety record statewide.

Much safer than eastern neighbors

Union County's 12.88 score is dramatically lower than Sullivan County (71.47) to the east and substantially below Unicoi County (10.59). Your southwestern mountain location provides unusual isolation from regional hazard patterns.

Wildfire and earthquakes are modest

Wildfire risk (50.41) and earthquake risk (59.99) represent your highest scores, though both remain moderate in context. Tornado (35.31), flood (26.05), and hurricane (22.99) risks all rank substantially lower.

Focus on wildfire prevention

With wildfire risk at 50.41, maintain defensible space around your home by clearing dead vegetation within 30 feet. Standard homeowners coverage with wind protection should sufficiently protect your property against your county's low overall risk.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Union County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    60th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    50th percentile
  3. #3
    TornadoPrepare
    35th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Union County

Risk Verdict

Union County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 13th percentile nationally. Even at the 13th percentile, Union County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Union County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 60th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 50th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (35th percentile), flood (26th percentile), hurricane (23th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Earthquake risk is Union County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 60th 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. The county's wildfire risk at the 50th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Union 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

The Tennessee county average exceeds Union County's score by 39.6 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.

Is your household prepared for Union 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 Union County, TN?
Union County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 13th 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 Union County?
Union County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (60th percentile), wildfire (50th percentile), tornado (35th percentile), flooding (26th percentile), hurricane (23th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 60th 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 Union County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Union County's composite risk percentile is 13th, compared to the Tennessee state average of 53th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Union County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Tennessee.
Is Union County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Union County's earthquake risk is at the 60th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Union County is at the 26th 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 Union County a safe place to live?
Union County's composite risk score of 13th 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 60th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Meigs County

Tennessee

-0.2

Very Low

13th percentile

Houston County

Tennessee

+0.2

Very Low

13th percentile

Clay County

Tennessee

+0.4

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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