Washington County Disaster Risk
Washington County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
61th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#39
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
71th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Washington County, Tennessee
Washington County's natural hazard risk
Washington County scores 61.16 on the composite risk scale, sitting above Tennessee's 52.45 state average in the 'Relatively Low' category. The county's risk profile reflects significant exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly flooding and earthquakes.
Risk ranking among Tennessee counties
Washington County ranks in the middle-to-upper range of Tennessee's 95 counties by composite risk score. Its 61.16 score positions it notably above the state median, making it one of the state's more hazard-exposed counties.
Comparing Washington to nearby counties
Washington County (61.16) faces substantially higher risk than Wayne County (42.97) and White County (38.55) to its south, but lower risk than Williamson County (85.15) to the southwest. The county's elevated flood risk (71.06) distinguishes it from many neighbors with similar earthquake exposure.
Washington's top three disaster hazards
Floods (71.06), earthquakes (83.97), and hurricanes (55.86) represent Washington County's primary risks, with flooding and seismic activity scoring significantly above state norms. Tornado risk (50.06) remains moderate but below the state average, while wildfires (42.78) pose a secondary concern.
Get covered against Washington's risks
Washington County residents should secure flood insurance and earthquake coverage, as standard policies exclude both hazards despite their elevated local risk. Given the county's 71.06 flood score, proximity to waterways should trigger an immediate flood insurance assessment.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Washington County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Washington County
Risk Verdict
Washington County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 61th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Washington County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Washington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 84th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 71th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (56th percentile), tornado (50th percentile), wildfire (43th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 84th percentile nationally for earthquake risk, Washington County is in a zone where a post-earthquake communications plan matters almost as much as pre-earthquake structural preparation — phone networks are typically congested for hours after a significant event. The county's flood risk at the 71th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. For Washington County households, the three highest-impact earthquake preparedness actions are: (1) anchor heavy furniture and water heaters, (2) store three days of water at one gallon per person per day, and (3) identify a family reunification plan for the post-quake communication blackout period.
Regional Context
A composite score 8.7 points above the Tennessee state average puts Washington County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Washington County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Washington County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Washington County?
How does Washington County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Washington County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Washington 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.