Craven County Disaster Risk
Craven County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
94th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#6
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
76th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Craven County, North Carolina
Craven ranks above average for disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 93.58, Craven County faces significantly higher natural disaster risk than the national average of 50. The county's "Relatively Moderate" rating reflects a landscape vulnerable to multiple hazard types, particularly hurricanes and tornadoes.
Among North Carolina's riskiest counties
Craven's score of 93.58 places it well above North Carolina's state average of 66.72, ranking it in the upper tier of the state's 100 counties. This elevation reflects the county's coastal and regional vulnerability to severe weather systems.
Craven faces higher risks than nearby counties
Craven's score of 93.58 exceeds neighboring Currituck County (18.07) substantially, and compares closely to Dare County (89.60) to the north. Both Craven and Dare share intense hurricane exposure, but Craven's inland tornado risk pushes its overall score higher.
Hurricanes and tornadoes pose top threats
Hurricane risk dominates at 98.62—among the highest in the state—while tornado risk at 86.39 creates an additional multi-season threat. Flooding also presents a consistent hazard with a score of 76.05, particularly during heavy rainfall and storm surge events.
Comprehensive insurance is essential here
Standard homeowners policies don't cover hurricane or flood damage; Craven residents should secure separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program and review hurricane/wind coverage with their agent. Given the dual tornado and hurricane threat, a robust emergency preparedness plan—including a safe room or shelter—offers critical protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Craven County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Craven County
Risk Verdict
Craven County registers a moderately elevated natural disaster risk, ranking at the 94th percentile across all U.S. counties. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Craven County.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Craven County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 86th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (83th percentile), flood (76th percentile), earthquake (58th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Craven County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 99th percentile nationally. Having a designated out-of-area contact, a pre-packed go-bag with medications and documents, and a confirmed evacuation route reduces decision-making load when a storm intensifies rapidly. Tornado at the 86th percentile nationally is Craven County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Craven County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.
Regional Context
Craven County falls 26.9 points above North Carolina's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Craven County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Craven County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Craven County?
How does Craven County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Craven County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Craven 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.