Natural Disaster Risk in Memphis
Tennessee
Risk Summary for Memphis
Memphis scores 7.5/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Cold Wave.
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: Memphis, Tennessee
Located in the interior eastern United States in Shelby County, Memphis is a city of approximately 43,947 residents. The humid subtropical climate that characterizes this part of Tennessee — marked by hot summers, mild winters, and transitional weather patterns — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Memphis a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.
FEMA rates Memphis's composite natural disaster risk at 7.5 out of 10 — high risk. Arctic air outbreaks are the leading natural hazard, with temperature plunges to dangerous lows capable of causing hypothermia and widespread infrastructure failures. Residents should also account for earthquake and heat risk in their preparedness planning.
Relative to other U.S. communities, Memphis's natural disaster risk is well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, considerably above the 5.8/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by cold wave and earthquake, as measured by FEMA across Shelby County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
With a high natural disaster risk rating, Memphis residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for cold wave 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 Memphis: Cold Wave preparedness
- Keep emergency heat and supplies ready in case of cold-related power outages.
- Dress in layers and limit exposure during extreme cold to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
- Protect pipes, pets, and plants, and ensure heating systems are serviced before winter.
Local Factors for Memphis
These city-level factors differentiate Memphis from other communities in Shelby County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
43,947
SuburbanGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 35.2°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 7.5/10
Coordinates
35.1767° N, 89.8599° W
Shelby 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 Memphis
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Memphis
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.