Limestone County

Alabama — Natural Disaster Risk Assessment

Low

Composite Risk Score

80.0

National percentile: 80th

Limestone County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 80.0, 80th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and earthquake exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $48M.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025

Expected Annual Loss $48M Annualized county-level EAL
Social Vulnerability Low Population sensitivity
Community Resilience High Capacity to recover
Population 101K Latest estimate

Top Hazards

Cold Wave
High $11M/yr
Earthquake
Low $6M/yr
Tornado
Medium $7M/yr

All 18 Hazard Risks

Cold Wave High 1.32 / yr $11M
Earthquake Low 0.00 / yr $6M
Tornado Medium 0.62 / yr $7M
Riverine Flood Medium 2.07 / yr $20M
Drought Medium 28.44 / yr $802K
Winter Weather Medium 4.58 / yr $173K
Heat Wave Low 7.63 / yr $1M
Ice Storm Medium 0.86 / yr $202K
Hurricane Low 0.03 / yr $245K
Lightning Low 61.05 / yr $331K
Strong Wind Medium 6.44 / yr $705K
Wildfire Very Low 0.00 / yr $13K
Landslide Very Low 0.23 / yr $196
Hail Very Low 4.27 / yr $87K
Avalanche Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Coastal Flood Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Tsunami Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Volcanic Activity Very Low 0.00 / yr $0

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall natural disaster risk for Limestone County?

Limestone County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 80.0 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 80th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.

What are the top natural hazards in Limestone County?

The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $11M EAL), Earthquake (Low, $6M EAL), Tornado (Medium, $7M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.

How does Limestone County compare to other Alabama counties?

Limestone County ranks #22 of 67 Alabama counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.

What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?

EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Limestone County's $48M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.