Edgecombe County Disaster Risk
Edgecombe County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
76th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#40
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
76th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Edgecombe County, North Carolina
Edgecombe's disaster risk ranks above average
With a composite risk score of 76.37, Edgecombe County faces higher natural disaster risk than most U.S. counties and significantly exceeds North Carolina's state average of 66.72. This "Relatively Low" rating reflects meaningful exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly hurricanes and tornadoes. Understanding your specific risks is the first step toward protecting your home and family.
Edgecombe ranks in North Carolina's upper tier
Among North Carolina's 100 counties, Edgecombe places in the riskier half due to its composite score of 76.37—well above the state average. The county faces notably elevated hurricane and tornado threats that distinguish it from lower-risk regions in the state's western mountains. This positions Edgecombe among communities that should prioritize disaster preparedness.
More exposed than nearby counties
Edgecombe's risk profile (76.37) substantially exceeds neighboring Franklin County (51.72) and Granville County (59.35), placing it among the riskier communities in the eastern Piedmont. The county's hurricane risk of 88.57 stands particularly high compared to inland neighbors, while its tornado exposure at 79.93 also leads the immediate area. Residents should recognize their elevated standing and adjust preparedness accordingly.
Hurricanes and tornadoes pose greatest threats
Edgecombe County faces its most severe risks from hurricanes (88.57) and tornadoes (79.93), reflecting its eastern location and exposure to Atlantic storm systems. Flooding rounds out the hazard trio with a risk score of 76.11, meaning heavy rains from tropical systems or localized downpours pose real structural threats to homes and infrastructure. These three hazards should anchor your disaster preparedness and insurance planning.
Secure comprehensive coverage now
Given Edgecombe's elevated hurricane, tornado, and flood risks, standard homeowners insurance alone leaves gaps in your protection—most policies exclude flood and wind damage from hurricanes. Obtain a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program and verify your homeowners policy covers hurricane-force winds, or supplement with an additional windstorm policy. Contact your insurance agent today to close these coverage gaps before storm season peaks.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Edgecombe County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Edgecombe County
Risk Verdict
Edgecombe County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 76th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. 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 Edgecombe County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 80th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (76th percentile), earthquake (57th percentile), wildfire (40th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane risk is Edgecombe County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 89th 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. Tornado, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 80th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Edgecombe County independent of hurricane season. Edgecombe 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
Edgecombe County's composite risk score sits 9.6 points above the North Carolina county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Edgecombe County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Edgecombe County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Edgecombe County?
How does Edgecombe County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Edgecombe County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Edgecombe 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.