Williamson County Disaster Risk
Williamson County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
85th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#11
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
88th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Williamson County, Tennessee
Williamson County's notable risk elevation
Williamson County scores 85.15 on the composite risk scale, placing it significantly above Tennessee's state average of 52.45 in the 'Relatively Moderate' risk category. The county faces elevated exposure to multiple hazards, making it one of Tennessee's highest-risk communities.
Among Tennessee's highest-risk counties
Williamson County ranks in the upper tier of Tennessee's 95 counties by composite risk, with its 85.15 score among the state's most concerning. The county's multi-hazard vulnerability across floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes places it well above typical state conditions.
Williamson's exceptional risk profile
Williamson County (85.15) faces substantially higher risk than all nearby counties, including Warren County (63.45), Washington County (61.16), and Wilson County (79.99). The county's 'Relatively Moderate' rating is the highest among its peers, reflecting distinctive hazard exposure in the Nashville metropolitan area.
Williamson's three critical hazards
Tornadoes (88.87), earthquakes (89.41), and floods (88.23) dominate Williamson County's disaster risks, with all three scoring near the national high end. These three hazards collectively represent exceptional vulnerability, requiring comprehensive preparedness planning across multiple threat types.
Comprehensive coverage is critical
Williamson County residents must secure flood insurance, earthquake coverage, and maintain robust homeowners policies, given the county's exceptional multi-hazard exposure. The county's 85.15 composite score demands the highest level of disaster preparedness, including documented emergency plans and reinforced shelter areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Williamson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Williamson County
Risk Verdict
Williamson County faces a moderate natural disaster risk profile, ranking at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's composite risk model. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Williamson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 89th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (88th percentile), hurricane (41th percentile), wildfire (40th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake risk is Williamson County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 89th 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. Alongside earthquake exposure, Williamson County's tornado risk at the 89th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Williamson 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
Williamson County's composite risk score sits 32.7 points above the Tennessee county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Williamson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Williamson County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Williamson County?
How does Williamson County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Williamson County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Williamson 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.