Van Buren County Disaster Risk
Van Buren County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
3th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#95
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
8th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Van Buren County, Tennessee
Van Buren County is exceptionally safe
Van Buren County's composite risk score of just 2.67 ranks among the lowest in the entire United States, earning a Very Low rating. Your county enjoys extraordinary natural disaster protection compared to nearly all American communities.
Tennessee's safest county
At 2.67, Van Buren County scores 95% below Tennessee's state average of 52.45, securing the top safety ranking statewide. No Tennessee county faces lower natural disaster risk than yours.
Safest in the region by far
Van Buren County's 2.67 score is substantially lower than Trousdale County (6.11) and Union County (12.88), making it the undisputed safest in its area. Your isolated central Tennessee location provides exceptional protection from all major hazard types.
All hazards remain minimal
Wildfire risk (36.29) and earthquake risk (32.95) are your highest scores, but both remain quite low in absolute terms. Tornado (27.45), flood (7.54), and hurricane (18.61) risks are all exceptionally minimal.
Standard homeowners coverage sufficient
Your county's minimal risk profile means standard homeowners insurance with basic wind coverage provides robust protection. Maintain general home maintenance and clear gutters, but extensive disaster-specific preparations are unnecessary.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Van Buren County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Van Buren County
Risk Verdict
At the 3th percentile nationally, Van Buren County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Van Buren County's favorable 3th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Van Buren County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 36th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 33th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (27th percentile), hurricane (19th percentile), flood (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Van Buren County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 36th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Van Buren County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. Alongside wildfire, earthquake at the 33th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Van Buren County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 49.8 points below the Tennessee state average puts Van Buren County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Van Buren County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Van Buren County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Van Buren County?
How does Van Buren County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Van Buren County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Van Buren County a safe place to live?
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.