Carteret County Disaster Risk
Carteret County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
93th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#7
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
88th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Carteret County, North Carolina
Carteret faces above-average national risk
Carteret County scores 93.48 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively moderate category—well above the national average. The coastal location drives extreme hurricane and flood exposure despite more moderate tornado and earthquake risks.
Third-riskiest county in North Carolina
Carteret ranks among the state's highest-risk counties with a composite score of 93.48, trailing only Brunswick (95.77) and Buncombe (89.34). The county's Atlantic coastline and barrier island geography explain its elevated hazard profile.
Coastal risk far exceeds inland neighbors
Carteret (93.48) sits alongside Brunswick (95.77) in North Carolina's riskiest tier, while nearby inland Camden (2.54) experiences virtually no comparable hazards. This demonstrates how coastal location dramatically amplifies natural disaster exposure.
Hurricanes and wildfires dominate
Carteret residents face 98.75 hurricane risk—nearly certain exposure—combined with 88.58 wildfire risk and 88.20 flood risk. Tornado and earthquake risks (45.39 and 42.37 respectively) are notably lower than peer coastal counties.
Comprehensive coastal insurance essential
Carteret homeowners must secure wind, flood, and comprehensive property insurance given hurricane and wildfire exposure. Reinforce roof, windows, and structural connections, and maintain an updated evacuation plan with critical documents stored in a waterproof, off-site location.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Carteret County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Carteret County
Risk Verdict
With a composite score at the 93th percentile, Carteret County sits above the national median for natural hazard exposure. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Carteret County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Carteret County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 89th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (88th percentile), tornado (45th percentile), earthquake (42th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 99th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Carteret County households benefit from reviewing both homeowners and flood insurance coverage before storm season begins — standard policies often exclude storm surge, which is the leading cause of hurricane fatalities. Wildfire at the 89th percentile nationally is Carteret County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Carteret County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.
Regional Context
At 26.8 points above the North Carolina state average, Carteret County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical North Carolina county.
Is your household prepared for Carteret County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Carteret County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Carteret County?
How does Carteret County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Carteret County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Carteret 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.