Brunswick County Disaster Risk
Brunswick County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
96th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#3
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
89th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Brunswick County, North Carolina
Brunswick faces highest national risk
Brunswick County's composite risk score of 95.77 places it in the relatively high category—significantly above the national average. With nearly every hazard type scoring above 82, Brunswick ranks among the most naturally hazardous counties in the United States.
North Carolina's riskiest county
Brunswick leads all North Carolina counties with a composite score of 95.77, towering above the state average of 66.72. This ranking reflects the county's coastal geography and exposure to compound hazards including hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires.
Significantly riskier than nearby peers
Brunswick's 95.77 score dwarfs neighbors Bladen County (84.57) and Carteret County (93.48), making it the clear outlier in the region. No adjacent county comes close to its hazard density, driven by its coastal position and oceanfront vulnerability.
Hurricanes, floods, and wildfires compound
Brunswick residents face a 99.08 hurricane risk—virtually certain exposure—paired with 89.40 flood risk and 93.35 wildfire risk. This combination makes Brunswick one of the nation's most complex disaster scenarios, requiring multi-hazard preparedness.
Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable
Homeowners must prioritize flood, wind, and comprehensive property insurance given Brunswick's compound risks. Consider elevation or reinforcement of your home's structural integrity, and maintain an updated evacuation plan with critical documents stored off-site.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Brunswick County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Brunswick County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index places Brunswick 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 Brunswick County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 93th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (89th percentile), tornado (87th percentile), earthquake (83th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane exposure at the 99th percentile nationally makes Brunswick County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Brunswick County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Wildfire at the 93th percentile nationally is Brunswick County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Brunswick 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
Brunswick County is 29.0 composite risk points above the North Carolina average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Brunswick County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Brunswick County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Brunswick County?
How does Brunswick County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Brunswick County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Brunswick 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.