Granville County Disaster Risk
Granville County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
59th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#68
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
65th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Granville County, North Carolina
Granville County faces moderate disaster risk
Granville County's composite risk score of 59.35 sits below the North Carolina state average of 66.72 but above the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" rating. The county's central Piedmont location exposes it to tornadoes and hurricanes while providing protection from extreme flooding and earthquakes. Granville residents face manageable but meaningful natural disaster exposure.
Granville ranks safely in middle tier
With a composite score of 59.35, Granville County positions itself below the North Carolina average of 66.72, placing it in the safer half of the state's counties. The county's tornado risk (67.94) and hurricane risk (85.44) reflect typical North Carolina exposure patterns, while floods (65.24) and earthquakes (62.12) remain moderate. Granville offers residents below-average statewide risk without exceptional safety.
Granville sits safely below higher-risk peers
Granville's score of 59.35 trails higher-risk neighbors like Edgecombe County (76.37) and Gaston County (84.86), while exceeding safer alternatives like Franklin County (51.72). This middling position places Granville in the Piedmont's safer tier, though elevated compared to western mountain counties. The county offers moderate disaster risk appropriate for regional comparison.
Hurricanes and tornadoes require preparation
Granville County's most significant threats come from hurricanes (85.44) and tornadoes (67.94), reflecting North Carolina's broad exposure to these phenomena. Floods (65.24) and earthquakes (62.12) present additional but secondary risks, while wildfire exposure (35.31) remains minimal. These primary hazards should guide your insurance and preparedness planning.
Solid coverage protects your investment
Granville County's moderate risk profile calls for a comprehensive homeowners policy with robust tornado and wind coverage, supplemented by flood insurance if your property sits in a mapped flood zone. The county's relatively moderate earthquake exposure may not warrant a separate earthquake policy for most residents, though mountain-adjacent properties should evaluate that risk. Review your coverage annually to ensure alignment with your home's value and location within the county.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Granville County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Granville County
Risk Verdict
At the 59th percentile nationally, Granville County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Granville County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Granville County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 68th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (65th percentile), earthquake (62th percentile), wildfire (35th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Granville County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 85th percentile nationally. Having a designated out-of-area contact, a pre-packed go-bag with medications and documents, and a confirmed evacuation route reduces decision-making load when a storm intensifies rapidly. Tornado, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 68th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Granville County independent of hurricane season. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Granville County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.
Regional Context
Compared to the North Carolina county average, Granville County's composite score runs 7.4 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Granville County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Granville County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Granville County?
How does Granville County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
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How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Granville 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.