Out of 32 counties with PHMSA gas distribution data, these are the counties with the highest incident risk.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Counties ranked | 32 |
| Total incidents (top 100) | 39 |
| Total fatalities (top 100) | 2 |
Top 32 Counties
| Rank | County | State | Incidents | Fatalities | Latest Year | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shelby | Tennessee | 5 | 1 | 2021 | 6/100 |
| 2 | Hamilton | Tennessee | 4 | 1 | 2020 | 10/100 |
| 3 | Davidson | Tennessee | 4 | 0 | 2025 | 6/100 |
| 4 | Stewart | Tennessee | 4 | 0 | 2025 | 6/100 |
| 5 | Cumberland | Tennessee | 2 | 0 | 2018 | 4/100 |
| 6 | Putnam | Tennessee | 2 | 0 | 2011 | 1/100 |
| 7 | Sullivan | Tennessee | 1 | 0 | 2019 | 12/100 |
| 8 | Sumner | Tennessee | 1 | 0 | 2013 | 6/100 |
| 9 | Campbell | Tennessee | 1 | 0 | 2018 | 5/100 |
| 10 | Haywood | Tennessee | 1 | 0 | 2005 | 5/100 |
| 11 | Macon | Tennessee | 1 | 0 | 2015 | 4/100 |
| 12 | Warren | Tennessee | 1 | 0 | 2025 | 4/100 |
| 13 | Bedford | Tennessee | 1 | 0 | 2005 | 3/100 |
| 14 | Coffee | Tennessee | 1 | 0 | 2005 | 3/100 |
| 15 | Wilson | Tennessee | 1 | 0 | 2012 | 2/100 |
| 16 | Rutherford | Tennessee | 1 | 0 | 2012 | 2/100 |
| 17 | Sevier | Tennessee | 1 | 0 | 2019 | 2/100 |
| 18 | Hamblen | Tennessee | 1 | 0 | 2011 | 2/100 |
| 19 | Hardin | Tennessee | 1 | 0 | 2018 | 2/100 |
| 20 | Williamson | Tennessee | 1 | 0 | 2016 | 1/100 |
| 21 | Hickman | Tennessee | 1 | 0 | 2006 | 1/100 |
| 22 | Dickson | Tennessee | 1 | 0 | 2006 | 1/100 |
| 23 | Anderson | Tennessee | 1 | 0 | 2015 | 1/100 |
| 24 | Knox | Tennessee | 1 | 0 | 2009 | 1/100 |
| 25 | Grundy | Tennessee | 0 | 0 | — | 10/100 |
| 26 | Lawrence | Tennessee | 0 | 0 | — | 10/100 |
| 27 | Scott | Tennessee | 0 | 0 | — | 5/100 |
| 28 | Cannon | Tennessee | 0 | 0 | — | 2/100 |
| 29 | Marshall | Tennessee | 0 | 0 | — | 2/100 |
| 30 | McNairy | Tennessee | 0 | 0 | — | 2/100 |
| 31 | Wayne | Tennessee | 0 | 0 | — | 2/100 |
| 32 | Cheatham | Tennessee | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
Methodology
County rankings for Tennessee based on total PHMSA gas distribution incidents reported since 2004.
Data source: U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Gas Distribution System Incident Reports 2004-2026. Last updated: 2026-06-04.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gas distribution incident?
Gas distribution incidents involve failures in the local natural gas pipeline network — leaks, ruptures, explosions, and equipment failures that can cause property damage, injuries, and fatalities. PHMSA requires all operators to report significant incidents.
How can I protect my home?
Install CO detectors on every level (CPSC recommendation). Have gas appliances inspected annually. Know the signs of a gas leak: rotten egg smell, hissing near gas lines, dead vegetation near pipelines. If you suspect a leak, leave immediately and call 911.