Currituck County Disaster Risk
Currituck County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
18th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#98
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
58th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Currituck County, North Carolina
Currituck's overall risk remains very low
With a composite score of just 18.07, Currituck County ranks far below the national average of 50 and carries a "Very Low" risk rating. However, this favorable overall profile masks a significant localized vulnerability: hurricane risk of 80.73 demands targeted preparation.
Among North Carolina's safest counties
Currituck's 18.07 score is the lowest among these eight counties and substantially below the state average of 66.72. The county ranks among North Carolina's least disaster-prone communities overall.
Currituck stands apart as notably safer
Currituck (18.07) faces a fraction of the risk borne by neighboring Dare County (89.60) and Craven County (93.58) to the south. Its very low tornado and earthquake scores explain the stark difference, though all three share meaningful hurricane exposure.
Hurricane risk is the primary concern
Hurricane risk at 80.73 dominates Currituck's hazard profile, while tornado (21.85) and earthquake (22.01) risks remain minimal. Flood risk (57.60) presents a secondary but manageable concern, chiefly tied to storm surge and heavy coastal rainfall.
Focus on hurricane and wind preparedness
Despite the county's overall low-risk standing, Currituck residents living in vulnerable coastal and flood zones should prioritize flood insurance and verify hurricane/wind coverage. Upgrading roof ties, securing outdoor items, and maintaining an evacuation plan are practical first steps suited to the county's specific hurricane threat.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Currituck County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Currituck County
Risk Verdict
At the 18th percentile nationally, Currituck County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Even at the 18th percentile, Currituck County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Currituck County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 58th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (57th percentile), earthquake (22th percentile), tornado (22th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Currituck County ranks at the 81th percentile nationally for hurricane risk. For coastal counties, wind-resistant shutters or impact-rated windows represent the highest single structural investment for reducing property damage. Flood, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 58th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Currituck County independent of hurricane season. For extended post-storm outages common in Currituck County's hurricane zone, a portable generator (operated outdoors only) and a supply of non-perishable food for at least seven days provides meaningful household resilience.
Regional Context
A composite score 48.7 points below the North Carolina state average puts Currituck County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Currituck County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Currituck County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Currituck County?
How does Currituck County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Currituck County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Currituck 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.