Cleveland County Disaster Risk
Cleveland County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
70th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#53
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
75th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cleveland County, North Carolina
Cleveland's risk moderately above national
Cleveland County's composite risk score of 70.01 places it in the "Relatively Low" category, above the national average. The county faces moderate exposure to multiple natural hazards.
Slightly elevated risk for North Carolina
Cleveland's score of 70.01 exceeds North Carolina's state average of 66.72, ranking it in the higher-risk portion of the state's county distribution. The county's profile reflects above-average vulnerability.
Riskier than Cherokee, safer than Catawba
Cleveland's 70.01 score positions it between Cherokee County (56.71) and Catawba County (80.57), making it moderately risky within its regional context. Nearby Columbus County (86.86) faces notably higher overall risk.
Tornadoes and flooding lead hazard list
Cleveland faces tornado risk of 79.77 and flood risk of 75.16, both above state averages and reflecting vulnerability to severe weather. Earthquake risk at 81.77 adds a secondary concern that shouldn't be overlooked.
Multi-hazard insurance coverage recommended
Given tornado and flood risks both exceeding 75, Cleveland residents should maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance covering wind, hail, and water damage. Consider supplemental flood insurance to protect against the county's 75.16 flood risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cleveland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cleveland County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 70th, Cleveland County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Cleveland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 80th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (75th percentile), hurricane (74th percentile), wildfire (41th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 82th percentile nationally for earthquake exposure, Cleveland County households benefit from practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On — the protocol that minimizes injury during shaking. Getting under a sturdy table or desk and holding on until shaking stops is the key action. The county's tornado risk at the 80th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Building age matters for earthquake risk in Cleveland County: structures built before local seismic code adoption are statistically more vulnerable. Contacting the local building department about retrofit programs can reveal whether your structure qualifies for mitigation assistance.
Regional Context
Cleveland County tracks the North Carolina county average closely, sitting 3.3 composite points above the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within North Carolina.
Is your household prepared for Cleveland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cleveland County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Cleveland County?
How does Cleveland County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Cleveland County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Cleveland 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.