riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Alleghany County Disaster Risk

Alleghany County, North Carolina

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

35th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#91

of 100 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

41th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 41% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 46% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 27% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 44% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 59% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Alleghany County, North Carolina

Alleghany County ranks among America's safest

Alleghany County's composite risk score of 34.67 places it squarely in the "Very Low" category, substantially below the U.S. average. This mountain county benefits from lower exposure to severe weather hazards that plague many regions nationally.

Lowest-risk county in North Carolina

At 34.67, Alleghany County scores less than half the state average of 66.72, making it North Carolina's safest jurisdiction from natural disaster risk. This advantage reflects the county's geography and lower tornado and hurricane exposure.

Safer than surrounding mountain counties

Alleghany County's 34.67 score edges out Ashe County (66.76) and significantly underperforms Avery County (47.49) in the mountain region. The county's elevated wildfire risk at 45.77 represents its primary natural hazard concern relative to peers.

Wildfire is your principal natural hazard

Alleghany County's wildfire risk reaches 45.77, elevating it above flood (41.06) and earthquake (43.77) risks in the county's hazard profile. As a mountain county with extensive forestland, wildfire season requires your sustained attention.

Low risk allows strategic insurance choices

Alleghany County residents benefit from lower premiums reflecting your area's reduced natural disaster exposure. Ensure your homeowners policy includes wildfire protection, especially if your property borders forested land, and maintain defensible space by clearing vegetation near structures.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Alleghany County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    59th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    46th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    44th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Alleghany County

Risk Verdict

Alleghany County's overall natural disaster score at the 35th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. A 35th percentile score positions Alleghany County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Alleghany County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 59th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 46th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (44th percentile), flood (41th percentile), tornado (27th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Hurricane exposure at the 59th percentile nationally makes Alleghany County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Alleghany County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Wildfire, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 46th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Alleghany County independent of hurricane season. Alleghany 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

Alleghany County's composite risk score sits 32.1 points below the North Carolina county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.

Is your household prepared for Alleghany County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Alleghany County, NC?
Alleghany County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 35th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Alleghany County?
Alleghany County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (59th percentile), wildfire (46th percentile), earthquake (44th percentile), flooding (41th percentile), tornado (27th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 59th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Alleghany County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Alleghany County's composite risk percentile is 35th, compared to the North Carolina state average of 67th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Alleghany County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in North Carolina.
Is Alleghany County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Alleghany County's hurricane risk is at the 59th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Alleghany County is at the 41th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Alleghany County a safe place to live?
Alleghany County's composite risk score of 35th percentile is below the North Carolina state average of 67th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is hurricane at the 59th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Chowan County

North Carolina

-0.4

Very Low

34th percentile

Polk County

North Carolina

+2.3

Very Low

37th percentile

Perquimans County

North Carolina

+3.0

Very Low

38th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

Explore more data for Alleghany County

Property TaxCost of LivingCrime RateIncomeHealthSchoolsWater QualityWeatherCounty Score