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

Camden County Disaster Risk

Camden County, North Carolina

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

3th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#100

of 100 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

50th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 50% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 24% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 14% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 12% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 72% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Camden County, North Carolina

Camden has exceptionally low risk profile

Camden County scores just 2.54 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the very low category—dramatically below the national average. This makes Camden one of the safest counties in the entire United States from natural disaster exposure.

Safest county in North Carolina

Camden's composite score of 2.54 is by far the lowest in North Carolina, compared to the state average of 66.72. The county's isolated position in the northeastern coastal plain creates a unique low-hazard environment.

Dramatically safer than all peers

Camden (2.54) is incomparably safer than any neighboring county, including Carteret (93.48), which faces significant coastal hazards just miles away. This stark difference reflects Camden's geographic isolation and lack of major population centers.

Hurricane risk is main concern

Even in Camden's remarkably safe profile, hurricane risk (72.42) stands out as the primary hazard, though well below coastal county standards. All other risks—tornado (13.64), earthquake (12.37), wildfire (24.01), and flood (50.20)—rank far below county averages.

Minimal coverage requirements suffice

Camden residents can safely maintain basic homeowners' insurance without specialized flood or wind coverage in most cases. An emergency kit and awareness of hurricane season remain prudent, given Camden's sole meaningful natural disaster vulnerability.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Camden County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    72th percentile
  2. #2
    FloodPrepare
    50th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    24th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Camden County

Risk Verdict

Natural disaster exposure in Camden County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 3th percentile. At the 3th percentile nationally, Camden County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Camden County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 72th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 50th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (24th percentile), tornado (14th percentile), earthquake (12th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 72th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, Camden County is in a zone where flood insurance matters beyond the primary wind risk: NFIP flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period before taking effect, making off-season enrollment the correct timing. Flood, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 50th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Camden County independent of hurricane season. For Camden County households, the hurricane preparedness calendar matters: flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, wind-hardening retrofits take weeks to schedule, and evacuation route scouting is best done before a storm watch is issued.

Regional Context

Camden County is 64.2 composite risk points below the North Carolina state mean, meaning most other North Carolina counties face higher natural hazard exposure.

Is your household prepared for Camden 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 Camden County, NC?
Camden County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 3th 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 Camden County?
Camden County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (72th percentile), flooding (50th percentile), wildfire (24th percentile), tornado (14th percentile), earthquake (12th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 72th 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 Camden County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Camden County's composite risk percentile is 3th, compared to the North Carolina state average of 67th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Camden County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in North Carolina.
Is Camden County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Camden County's hurricane risk is at the 72th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Camden County is at the 50th 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 Camden County a safe place to live?
Camden County's composite risk score of 3th 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 72th 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.