Nashville Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 1,178,679 and a calculated risk score of 95.0, Nashville faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Nashville, TN. The landscape around Nashville defines much of daily life. Yet, the geography also exposes the area to certain threats. The risk of river flooding is higher here than the national average.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Nashville sits at a Risk Score of 94.974. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably River Flooding and Tornado.
Top Hazards for The Nashville Area
As population density grows in Tennessee, future climate projections suggest an uptick in river flooding severity. However, our modeling, based on FEMA and NOAA datasets, assigns a score of 99.7/100. Flood insurance is highly recommended, even for those technically outside the 100-year floodplain.
Regional data for Tennessee suggests that the area is historically prone to periods of tornado. Consequently, the data-driven score of 98.0 underscores the need for preparedness. Local schools and businesses typically have robust protocols for these weather events.
Historically, the climate of Tennessee dictates that historical precedents show that earthquakes are an ever-present reality. As a result, the aggregate danger score for this specific hazard stands at 97.5. Securing heavy furniture and knowing how to shut off gas lines are top priorities here.
Monitor Active Threats
Nashville has identified seismic or wildfire risks. Check our real-time tracker for active events.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Nashville? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Nashville
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Nashville. 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 Nashville
Water
Scepter 5 Gallon Water Container
Bombproof water storage. 5 gallons is the minimum for one person for 5 days.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
The best insurance against River Flooding is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Memphis | 98.9 | Memphis and Nashville share similar regional risks, but our data gives Nashville the edge in overall safety. |
| Knoxville | 85.2 | Choosing between Nashville and Knoxville? Nashville presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Chattanooga | 88.9 | When compared to Chattanooga, Nashville is slightly higher risk. The difference of 6.1 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Clarksville | 79.0 | When compared to Clarksville, Nashville is slightly higher risk. The difference of 16.0 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Murfreesboro | 81.9 | Choosing between Nashville and Murfreesboro? Nashville presents a unique set of challenges. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are River Floodings in Nashville?
With a risk score of 99.7 for River Flooding, Nashville is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for River Flooding events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Nashville safer than other cities in Tennessee?
It varies by hazard. While Nashville has its own risk profile (Total Score: 95.0), it is among the higher-risk areas in Tennessee. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Nashville given the risk of Tornado?
Every city has risks. The threat of Tornado (Score: 98.0) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Nashville is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Nashville compare to other cities in Tennessee?
See the full Tennessee Disaster Rankings to see how Nashville stacks up against other cities in the state.