Cumberland County Disaster Risk
Cumberland County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
89th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#16
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
89th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cumberland County, North Carolina
Cumberland faces well-above-average risk nationally
Cumberland County's composite score of 89.47 significantly exceeds the national average of 50, earning a "Relatively Moderate" risk rating. The county experiences substantial exposure across multiple hazard types, from tornadoes to earthquakes—an unusually diverse threat profile.
Fourth-highest risk in North Carolina
Cumberland's 89.47 score places it among North Carolina's riskiest counties, well above the state average of 66.72. Only a handful of counties statewide face comparably varied and intense natural disaster exposure.
Cumberland leads region in overall risk
Cumberland (89.47) faces notably higher risk than neighboring Davie County (41.67), though it rivals Craven County (93.58) and Duplin County (89.41) in overall score. The county's inland location gives it higher tornado exposure than coastal neighbors, while still maintaining elevated hurricane and flood risks.
Tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes converge
Tornado risk stands at 92.97—the highest threat—while flood risk at 89.25 reflects Cumberland's river systems and heavy rainfall patterns. Earthquake risk at 87.50 is notably high for North Carolina, adding a less-familiar but real seismic dimension to the county's hazard profile.
Multi-layered protection plan needed
Cumberland residents should obtain flood insurance, review earthquake coverage availability, and ensure homeowners policies address high winds. A designated storm shelter and a family communication plan specific to tornadoes and flooding scenarios provide essential safety redundancy.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cumberland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cumberland County
Risk Verdict
Cumberland County faces a moderate natural disaster risk profile, ranking at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's composite risk model. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Cumberland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 93th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (89th percentile), earthquake (88th percentile), wildfire (84th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane risk is Cumberland County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 94th percentile nationally. The most time-sensitive preparedness step is knowing the county's evacuation zone for your address — zone maps are published by the county emergency management office. Cumberland County's tornado exposure at the 93th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Cumberland County's county emergency management office publishes official evacuation zone maps with zone-specific shelter locations; downloading this map and identifying your zone assignment is the single highest-value pre-season step.
Regional Context
Cumberland County's composite risk score sits 22.7 points above the North Carolina county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Cumberland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cumberland County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Cumberland County?
How does Cumberland County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Cumberland County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Cumberland 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.