Dare County Disaster Risk
Dare County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
90th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#15
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
87th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Dare County, North Carolina
Dare ranks among America's highest-risk counties
Dare County's composite score of 89.60 far exceeds the national average of 50, reflecting its status as one of the nation's most disaster-exposed regions. The "Relatively Moderate" rating undersells the intensity of individual hazards—particularly the 97.71 hurricane risk that approaches worst-case national levels.
Second-highest risk in North Carolina
Dare's 89.60 score ranks it second among North Carolina counties in overall disaster risk, trailing only Craven County's 93.58. The county sits more than 20 points above the state average of 66.72.
Dare rivals Craven as region's riskiest county
Dare (89.60) nearly matches Craven County (93.58) in overall risk, while dramatically exceeding Currituck County (18.07) to the north. Both Dare and Craven share the state's most intense hurricane exposure; Craven's tornado risk gives it a slightly higher overall score.
Hurricanes dominate; flooding is secondary concern
Hurricane risk at 97.71 is Dare's defining threat—among the highest in the nation—while flood risk at 86.80 compounds coastal vulnerability. Wildfire risk (82.67) adds a often-overlooked third dimension, particularly in barrier island communities during dry seasons.
Hurricane insurance and flood coverage essential
Dare residents must secure flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program and verify hurricane/wind coverage well before storm season. Hurricane-resistant construction standards (roof bracing, impact-resistant windows) and a well-practiced evacuation plan are non-negotiable in this high-risk coastal setting.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Dare County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Dare County
Risk Verdict
At the 90th percentile nationally, Dare County sits in the upper half of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Dare County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Dare County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 87th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (83th percentile), tornado (47th percentile), earthquake (25th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With hurricane ranked at the 98th percentile nationally, Dare County sits in a zone where multi-day supply readiness matters: grid outages after landfalling storms can last one to three weeks in heavily affected areas. Flood at the 87th percentile nationally is Dare County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Insurance gaps are the most common post-hurricane financial shock: standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood damage and may have a separate wind deductible. Dare County households benefit from a pre-season insurance review confirming both wind and flood coverage.
Regional Context
The North Carolina county average is 22.9 composite points below Dare County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Dare County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Dare County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Dare County?
How does Dare County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Dare County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Dare 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.