Out of 24 counties with PHMSA gas distribution data, these are the counties with the highest incident risk.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Counties ranked | 24 |
| Total incidents (top 100) | 29 |
| Total fatalities (top 100) | 5 |
Top 24 Counties
| Rank | County | State | Incidents | Fatalities | Latest Year | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jefferson | Alabama | 7 | 4 | 2020 | 12/100 |
| 2 | DeKalb | Alabama | 3 | 0 | 2025 | 5/100 |
| 3 | Walker | Alabama | 2 | 1 | 2022 | 10/100 |
| 4 | Limestone | Alabama | 2 | 0 | 2024 | 7/100 |
| 5 | Madison | Alabama | 2 | 0 | 2024 | 7/100 |
| 6 | Mobile | Alabama | 2 | 0 | 2022 | 4/100 |
| 7 | Baldwin | Alabama | 2 | 0 | 2010 | 1/100 |
| 8 | Macon | Alabama | 2 | 0 | 2010 | 1/100 |
| 9 | Marshall | Alabama | 1 | 0 | 2004 | 5/100 |
| 10 | Washington | Alabama | 1 | 0 | 2021 | 4/100 |
| 11 | Lauderdale | Alabama | 1 | 0 | 2010 | 2/100 |
| 12 | Shelby | Alabama | 1 | 0 | 2011 | 1/100 |
| 13 | Tallapoosa | Alabama | 1 | 0 | 2005 | 1/100 |
| 14 | Dallas | Alabama | 1 | 0 | 2021 | 1/100 |
| 15 | Tuscaloosa | Alabama | 1 | 0 | 2015 | 0/100 |
| 16 | Blount | Alabama | 0 | 0 | — | 12/100 |
| 17 | Bibb | Alabama | 0 | 0 | — | 12/100 |
| 18 | Lamar | Alabama | 0 | 0 | — | 7/100 |
| 19 | Marion | Alabama | 0 | 0 | — | 7/100 |
| 20 | Jackson | Alabama | 0 | 0 | — | 5/100 |
| 21 | Chilton | Alabama | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 22 | Monroe | Alabama | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 23 | Escambia | Alabama | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 24 | Marengo | Alabama | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
Methodology
County rankings for Alabama 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.