Murfreesboro, Tennessee: natural disaster risk
How exposed Murfreesboro is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Rutherford County.
Murfreesboro is a city of 161,445 people in Rutherford County, Tennessee. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Rutherford County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and earthquake, with about $135 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 759 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 47 tornadoes and 72 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 3 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1.1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Rutherford County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Murfreesboro
Full Rutherford County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $71M | |
| Cold wave | $25M | |
| Earthquake | $17M | |
| Tornado | $15M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $1M | |
| Hail | $460K | |
| Ice storm | $365K | |
| Drought | $134K | |
| Hurricane | $115K |
Homes in Murfreesboro
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 Rutherford County
More cities in Rutherford County
Common questions about Murfreesboro
Is Murfreesboro safe from natural disasters?
Murfreesboro is in Rutherford County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Murfreesboro?
By expected yearly losses in Rutherford County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), cold wave (High), earthquake (Moderate). Rutherford County has been part of 15 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Murfreesboro get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 47 tornadoes in Rutherford County since 1950; the strongest was an EF4 tornado on April 10, 2009 near Allisona. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Murfreesboro?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Rutherford County, about 1.1% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.