Natural Disaster Risk in Clay County

Natural Hazard Profile: Clay County, Tennessee

Clay County is located in the United States in Tennessee, home to roughly 7,571 residents. The county experiences hot summers, mild winters, and transitional weather patterns, with tornado risk in both spring and fall shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Clay County carries an overall risk score of 4.5/10, placing it in the moderate category. Slope instability and debris flows are the primary natural hazard, driven by a combination of local geology, precipitation intensity, and terrain that creates susceptibility to failure. The area also faces notable exposure to hurricane and tsunami.

Clay County's risk score, slightly below the 5.8/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Clay County, the highest-scoring are landslide, hurricane, and tsunami. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Clay County residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for landslide is recommended.