Duplin County Disaster Risk
Duplin County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
89th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#17
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
66th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Duplin County, North Carolina
Duplin's risk ranks well above national average
Duplin County's composite score of 89.41 significantly exceeds the national average of 50, earning a "Relatively Moderate" rating. The county's coastal-adjacent location and exposure to multiple hazard types create a complex and demanding disaster risk profile.
Among North Carolina's riskiest counties
Duplin's 89.41 score places it in North Carolina's top tier of disaster-prone counties, well above the state average of 66.72. Only a handful of counties face comparably high composite risk across the state's 100.
Duplin rivals coastal and inland risk leaders
Duplin (89.41) matches the risk profile of Craven County (93.58) and nearly mirrors Dare County (89.60), while far exceeding nearby Davie County (41.67). The county's hurricane exposure rivals coastal neighbors while maintaining strong tornado and flood risks that reflect its agricultural heartland location.
Hurricanes and tornadoes drive the threat
Hurricane risk at 97.54 is Duplin's most acute hazard—nearly matching coastal county levels—while tornado risk at 83.11 creates a secondary but significant threat. Flood risk at 66.41 and wildfire risk at 65.90 round out a diverse and challenging multi-hazard environment.
Comprehensive coverage for mixed hazards needed
Duplin residents should secure flood insurance and verify hurricane/wind coverage; the county's dual tornado threat makes a designated shelter space essential. Agricultural properties require additional consideration for wildfire preparedness, including defensible space and clearance around structures.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Duplin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Duplin County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Duplin County at the 89th percentile nationally — above average and worth proactive preparation. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Duplin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 83th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (69th percentile), flood (66th percentile), wildfire (66th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane exposure at the 98th percentile nationally makes Duplin County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Duplin County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Tornado at the 83th percentile nationally is Duplin County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Duplin County residents benefit from registering with the county's special-needs evacuation registry if household members have mobility limitations, require electricity-dependent medical equipment, or cannot self-evacuate — registration in advance of storm season is required.
Regional Context
Duplin County is 22.7 composite risk points above the North Carolina average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Duplin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Duplin County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Duplin County?
How does Duplin County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
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Why is Duplin 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.