Washington County
Tennessee — Natural Disaster Risk Assessment
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 61th
Washington County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 61.2, 61th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and strong wind exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $23M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Landslide | Medium | 0.87 / yr | $45K |
| Strong Wind | High | 3.19 / yr | $2M |
| Lightning | High | 51.21 / yr | $1M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $3M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.14 / yr | $14M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.18 / yr | $169K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $135K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.84 / yr | $1M |
| Tornado | Low | 0.06 / yr | $1M |
| Drought | Low | 16.73 / yr | $131K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $31K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 7.69 / yr | $45K |
| Hail | Low | 3.21 / yr | $170K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $45K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Washington County?
Washington County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 61.2 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 61th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Washington County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Medium, $45K EAL), Strong Wind (High, $2M EAL), Lightning (High, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Washington County compare to other Tennessee counties?
Washington County ranks #39 of 95 Tennessee counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Washington County's $23M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.