Cherokee County Disaster Risk
Cherokee County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
57th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#72
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
68th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 81% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cherokee County, North Carolina
Cherokee's risk moderately below national average
Cherokee County's composite risk score of 56.71 places it in the "Relatively Low" category, below the national average. The county experiences moderate natural disaster exposure with notable variation across hazard types.
Below-average risk for North Carolina
At 56.71, Cherokee's composite risk score falls below North Carolina's state average of 66.72. The county ranks among the safer counties in its state.
Safer than Catawba, higher than Clay
Cherokee's 56.71 score positions it below Catawba County (80.57) but above Clay County (26.88), reflecting moderate risk in its western region. The county's profile differs notably from its immediate neighbors.
Wildfire risk drives Cherokee's profile
Wildfire risk of 81.08 dominates Cherokee County's hazard landscape, significantly exceeding state averages and reflecting the county's forested terrain. Flood and tornado risks at 67.88 and 68.10 present secondary concerns.
Wildfire coverage is essential for Cherokee
Cherokee residents in forested areas should verify their homeowners insurance includes wildfire damage coverage, given the county's 81.08 wildfire risk score. Review defensible space around your property and maintain insurance that covers wind-driven embers and structure fires.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cherokee County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cherokee County
Risk Verdict
Cherokee County ranks at the 57th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Cherokee County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 74th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (68th percentile), flood (68th percentile), hurricane (58th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Cherokee County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Cherokee County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. The county's earthquake exposure at the 74th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Cherokee County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 10.0 points below the North Carolina state average puts Cherokee County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Cherokee County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cherokee County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Cherokee County?
How does Cherokee County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Cherokee County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Cherokee County a safe place to live?
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.