Guilford County Disaster Risk
Guilford County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
93th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#8
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
97th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Guilford County, North Carolina
Guilford faces above-average disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 93.45, Guilford County ranks as Relatively Moderate—well above North Carolina's state average of 66.72 and the national median. This means residents face meaningfully elevated exposure to multiple hazard types compared to typical U.S. counties.
Among North Carolina's riskiest counties
Guilford's score of 93.45 places it in the upper tier of risk across all 100 North Carolina counties. The county's elevated composite score reflects significant vulnerability to several major hazard categories that demand serious preparedness attention.
Riskier than most surrounding counties
Guilford's 93.45 score substantially exceeds neighboring Randolph, Alamance, and Davidson counties, making it one of the highest-risk areas in the Piedmont. Only Henderson County (83.78) among nearby counties approaches Guilford's risk profile.
Flooding and tornadoes dominate threats
Guilford's flood risk score of 96.63 is the dominant concern—ranking among the state's most hazardous counties for water damage. Tornado risk at 88.68 compounds this, making severe weather preparedness and flood insurance critical for homeowners.
Prioritize flood and wind coverage now
Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flooding; Guilford residents should secure separate flood insurance given the 96.63 flood risk score. Consider reinforcing your home against high winds and ensure your policy covers tornado damage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Guilford County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Guilford County
Risk Verdict
Guilford County's overall risk score at the 93th percentile nationally signals meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Guilford County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 90th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (89th percentile), earthquake (88th percentile), wildfire (44th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Guilford County sits at the 97th percentile nationally for flood exposure. Knowing your property's flood zone designation — available at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — is the first step toward understanding actual exposure and insurance options. The county's second-ranked hazard, hurricane at the 90th percentile nationally, means Guilford County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Regardless of specific hazard, Guilford County households benefit from a practiced communication plan: a designated out-of-state contact and a pre-agreed evacuation destination established before the season's peak risk period.
Regional Context
Compared to other North Carolina counties, Guilford County runs 26.7 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Guilford County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Guilford County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Guilford County?
How does Guilford County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Guilford County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Guilford 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.