Volusia County Disaster Risk
Volusia County, Florida
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
96th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#14
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
95th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Volusia County, Florida
Volusia ranks among America's riskiest
Volusia County's composite risk score of 96.22 places it in the "Relatively High" category, matching or exceeding risk in most American counties. This near-96 score reflects acute exposure across hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, and wildfire—a comprehensive hazard profile.
Second-highest risk in Florida
Volusia's 96.22 score substantially exceeds Florida's 75.74 state average and ranks as the state's second-riskiest county. Tornado risk of 98.28 is among Florida's highest, while hurricane risk of 98.46 reflects Atlantic exposure rivaling St. Lucie County.
Highest risk in eastern Florida
Volusia's 96.22 score substantially exceeds St. Johns County (87.53) and nearly matches St. Lucie County (96.06), making it the most hazard-prone in eastern Florida. Its tornado risk of 98.28 particularly distinguishes it from neighboring coastal counties.
Hurricanes and tornadoes are dual threats
Volusia faces hurricane risk of 98.46—the state's second-highest—and tornado risk of 98.28, making it a dual hotspot for severe wind events. Flooding also reaches 95.23, and wildfire risk of 96.28 reflects forested inland areas vulnerable to seasonal fire activity.
Comprehensive protection is imperative
Volusia homeowners must secure both homeowners insurance with wind/hail coverage and separate flood insurance through the NFIP or private providers, given the 95.23 flood risk. Install hurricane shutters, reinforce roof connections, maintain 30+ feet of vegetation clearance, and keep an updated evacuation plan given this county's extraordinary multi-hazard exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Volusia County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Volusia County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index places Volusia County at the 96th percentile nationally — in the high-risk bracket for U.S. counties. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Volusia County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 98th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (96th percentile), flood (95th percentile), earthquake (68th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane exposure at the 98th percentile nationally makes Volusia County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Volusia County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Volusia County's tornado exposure at the 98th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Volusia County residents benefit from registering with the county's special-needs evacuation registry if household members have mobility limitations, require electricity-dependent medical equipment, or cannot self-evacuate — registration in advance of storm season is required.
Regional Context
Volusia County is 20.5 composite risk points above the Florida average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Volusia County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Volusia County, FL?
What types of natural hazards affect Volusia County?
How does Volusia County risk compare to the Florida average?
Is Volusia County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Volusia County higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.