Jackson, Tennessee: natural disaster risk
How exposed Jackson is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Madison County.
Jackson is a city of 68,435 people in Madison County, Tennessee. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Madison County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are earthquake, tornado and cold wave, with about $90.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 496 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 35 tornadoes and 81 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 6 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Madison County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Jackson
Full Madison County report ›- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | $46M | |
| Tornado | $15M | |
| Cold wave | $12M | |
| Inland flooding | $11M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Lightning | $962K | |
| Ice storm | $614K | |
| Hurricane | $205K | |
| Drought | $166K | |
| Winter weather | $54K | |
| Hail | $44K |
Homes in Jackson
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Madison County
Common questions about Jackson
Is Jackson safe from natural disasters?
Jackson is in Madison County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are earthquake, tornado, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Jackson?
By expected yearly losses in Madison County, the top hazards are earthquake (High), tornado (High), cold wave (High). Madison County has been part of 22 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Jackson get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 35 tornadoes in Madison County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on May 4, 2003 near Denmark. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Jackson?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Madison County, about 0.4% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.