Natural Disaster Risk in Sugar Tree
Tennessee
Risk Summary for Sugar Tree
Sugar Tree scores 5.0/10 (Moderate risk), near the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Earthquake.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Sugar Tree, Tennessee
Sugar Tree is a small community of about 525 in Decatur County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences hot summers, mild winters, and transitional weather patterns, with tornado risk in both spring and fall shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Sugar Tree.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Sugar Tree carries an overall risk score of 5.0/10, placing it in the moderate category. Earthquake risk stands out in the local hazard profile, driven by proximity to fault systems with a history of significant ground movement. The area also faces notable exposure to cold wave and tornado.
Sugar Tree'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 Decatur County, the highest-scoring are earthquake, cold wave, and tornado. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Sugar Tree's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that earthquake exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.
What this means for Sugar Tree: Earthquake preparedness
- Standard homeowners insurance excludes earthquake damage — a separate earthquake policy or endorsement is needed.
- Secure heavy furniture, water heaters, and shelving to wall studs to reduce injury and damage during shaking.
- Identify "drop, cover, and hold on" spots in each room and keep an emergency kit with water for at least 72 hours.
Local Factors for Sugar Tree
These city-level factors differentiate Sugar Tree from other communities in Decatur County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
525
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 35.8°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 2.4/10
Coordinates
35.7911° N, 88.0326° W
Decatur 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 Sugar Tree
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Sugar Tree
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.