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

Anson County Disaster Risk

Anson County, North Carolina

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

50th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#76

of 100 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

51th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 51% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 58% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 72% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 65% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Moderate

Higher than 83% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Anson County, North Carolina

Anson County carries moderate national risk

Anson County's composite risk score of 50.00 sits meaningfully below the U.S. median, earning a "Relatively Low" rating despite exposure to multiple hazard types. This south-central county faces notably elevated hurricane and tornado risks compared to its overall profile.

Below-average risk statewide, but notable threats

Anson County's 50.00 score falls below North Carolina's 66.72 state average, placing it in the safer tier of the state's counties. However, hurricane risk at 82.85 and tornado risk at 71.95 create seasonal vulnerability despite the county's favorable overall ranking.

Comparable to Richmond and Scotland neighbors

Anson County's 50.00 composite risk closely mirrors nearby south-central counties with similar geographic exposure. Wildfire risk at 58.46 runs higher than some neighbors, reflecting the Piedmont's seasonal fire danger.

Hurricanes and tornadoes dominate your hazards

Hurricane risk peaks at 82.85 in Anson County, followed closely by tornado risk at 71.95, making Atlantic storm season and spring weather your most critical periods. Wildfire risk of 58.46 adds a third seasonal threat during dry periods.

Prepare for wind and rotating storms

Anson County's elevated hurricane and tornado exposure demands wind-resistant installation and secure roof anchoring. Maintain a basement shelter or interior room for tornado season, and ensure your homeowners insurance explicitly covers wind damage from both hurricanes and rotating storms.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Anson County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    83th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    72th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    65th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Anson County

Risk Verdict

At the 50th percentile nationally, Anson County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Anson County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Anson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 72th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (65th percentile), wildfire (58th percentile), flood (51th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Anson County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 83th percentile nationally. Having a designated out-of-area contact, a pre-packed go-bag with medications and documents, and a confirmed evacuation route reduces decision-making load when a storm intensifies rapidly. Tornado at the 72th percentile nationally is Anson County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Anson County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.

Regional Context

Compared to the North Carolina county average, Anson County's composite score runs 16.7 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.

Is your household prepared for Anson 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 Anson County, NC?
Anson County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 50th 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 Anson County?
Anson County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (83th percentile), tornado (72th percentile), earthquake (65th percentile), wildfire (58th percentile), flooding (51th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 83th 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 Anson County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Anson County's composite risk percentile is 50th, compared to the North Carolina state average of 67th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Anson County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in North Carolina.
Is Anson County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Anson County's hurricane risk is at the 83th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Anson County is at the 51th 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 Anson County a safe place to live?
Anson County's composite risk score of 50th 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 83th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
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.