Natural Disaster Risk in Johnson City
Tennessee
Risk Summary for Johnson City
Johnson City scores 6.1/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Landslide.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Johnson City, Tennessee
Johnson City, in Washington County, is a city of approximately 39,097 residents situated in the interior eastern United States. Its humid subtropical climate brings hot summers, mild winters, and transitional weather patterns, and in particular tornado risk in both spring and fall. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Johnson City residents and property owners must navigate.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Johnson City carries an overall risk score of 6.1/10, placing it in the high category. Landslide and debris flow risk tops the local hazard profile, with steep terrain and periodic heavy rainfall creating conditions for rapid slope failure in vulnerable areas. The area also faces notable exposure to lightning and wind.
Within Tennessee, Johnson City's risk is, near the 5.8/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Washington County identifies landslide as the foremost hazard, followed by lightning and wind. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
With a high natural disaster risk rating, Johnson City residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for landslide and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.
What this means for Johnson City: Landslide preparedness
- Have an evacuation plan ready during periods of intense or prolonged rainfall.
- Watch for warning signs such as new cracks, tilting trees, or changes in water drainage on slopes.
- Standard insurance generally excludes landslide and earth-movement damage — ask about specialized coverage.
Local Factors for Johnson City
These city-level factors differentiate Johnson City from other communities in Washington County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
39,097
SuburbanGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 36.3°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 5.0/10
Coordinates
36.2992° N, 82.3830° W
Washington County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Johnson City
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Johnson City
Other cities in Tennessee
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.