Davidson County Disaster Risk
Davidson County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
87th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#21
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
92th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Davidson County, North Carolina
Davidson's risk substantially exceeds national norms
Davidson County's composite score of 87.21 far surpasses the national average of 50, earning a "Relatively Moderate" rating. The county's inland location makes it particularly vulnerable to tornadoes and flooding—hazards that rival coastal hurricane exposure in severity.
Davidson ranks among state's higher-risk counties
With a score of 87.21, Davidson sits well above North Carolina's state average of 66.72, placing it in the top tier of the state's 100 counties. The county's flood risk of 91.54 is among the highest statewide.
Davidson's risks match or exceed peer counties
Davidson (87.21) ranks close to Davie County (41.67) to the west in overall risk—though considerably higher—and mirrors the exposure levels of eastern counties like Duplin (89.41). Davidson's high flood score and strong tornado threat distinguish it within the Piedmont region.
Floods and tornadoes define the threat profile
Flood risk at 91.54 is Davidson's most pressing hazard, driven by river systems and intense rainfall events. Tornado risk at 86.93 creates a secondary but severe multi-season threat; earthquake risk of 76.69 adds a tertiary concern unusual in the Piedmont.
Flood and tornado insurance and shelters crucial
Davidson residents in flood-prone areas must obtain flood insurance; those outside designated flood zones should still consider coverage given the county's high flood risk score. A designated shelter space—whether a basement room or reinforced interior space—provides essential tornado protection for this frequently threatened county.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Davidson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Davidson County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard risk in Davidson County is higher than the majority of U.S. counties, with a national composite rank of 87th. Davidson County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Davidson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 87th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (84th percentile), earthquake (77th percentile), wildfire (50th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 92th percentile nationally, Davidson County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. The county's second-ranked hazard, tornado at the 87th percentile nationally, means Davidson County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Davidson County households.
Regional Context
A composite score 20.5 points above the North Carolina state average puts Davidson County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Davidson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Davidson County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Davidson County?
How does Davidson County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Davidson County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Davidson 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.