Johnson City Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 129,818 and a calculated risk score of 42.6, Johnson City faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Johnson City, TN. Calling Johnson City home means understanding its environment. While often overlooked, the local hazard data is clear. The numbers show a clear susceptibility to landslides.
Total Risk Score
With a calculated Risk Score of 42.629, Johnson City requires specific preparation. The data highlights Landslide as the most critical threat to mitigate.
Top Hazards for The Johnson City Area
From a statewide perspective in Tennessee, seasonality plays a huge role in the intensity of landslides here. Consequently, our algorithm flags this as a priority area with a calculated intensity of 90.9. Families should have a reunification plan for when an event occurs during work/school hours.
Environmental studies focusing on Tennessee highlight that the area's infrastructure faces consistent tests from lightning events. Additionally, federal hazard layers combined with local topography result in this 90.2 score. During these events, checking on elderly neighbors is a critical community responsibility.
Long-standing weather records for Tennessee indicate citizens here are statistically more likely to encounter earthquakes. Crucially, an analytical review of past disasters puts the current risk tier at 83.4. Bolt-down foundations and braced water heaters are standard requirements for safety.
Monitor Active Threats
Johnson City has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Johnson City? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Johnson City
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Johnson City. While specific risks vary, the fundamentals of survival—water, food, and information—remain the same.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Keep a physical map of the local area in case GPS fails.
- 2Maintain a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water.
- 3Have a first aid kit and a supply of prescription medications.
- 4Keep a battery-powered radio to stay informed during power outages.
- 5Establish a family communication plan for when cell towers are down.
Essential Gear for Johnson City
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Power
Anker PowerCore 10K
Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Do not wait for a Landslide warning to start packing. Secure your essential gear today.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville | 95.0 | When compared to Nashville, Johnson City is statistically safer. The difference of 52.3 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Memphis | 98.9 | Choosing between Johnson City and Memphis? Johnson City presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Knoxville | 85.2 | When compared to Knoxville, Johnson City is statistically safer. The difference of 42.5 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Chattanooga | 88.9 | Chattanooga and Johnson City share similar regional risks, but our data gives Johnson City the edge in overall safety. |
| Clarksville | 79.0 | Clarksville and Johnson City share similar regional risks, but our data gives Johnson City the edge in overall safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Landslides in Johnson City?
With a risk score of 90.9 for Landslide, Johnson City is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Landslide events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Johnson City safer than other cities in Tennessee?
It varies by hazard. While Johnson City has its own risk profile (Total Score: 42.6), it is generally comparable to the average in Tennessee. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Johnson City given the risk of Lightning?
Every city has risks. The threat of Lightning (Score: 90.2) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Johnson City is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Johnson City compare to other cities in Tennessee?
See the full Tennessee Disaster Rankings to see how Johnson City stacks up against other cities in the state.