Hertford County Disaster Risk
Hertford County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
68th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#54
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
51th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hertford County, North Carolina
Hertford's risk is below national average
Hertford County scores 68.16, placing it below the national median with a Relatively Low rating. This coastal county's overall risk profile is actually more favorable than many American counties, despite specific coastal hazards.
Lower-risk county in North Carolina
At 68.16, Hertford sits just slightly above North Carolina's state average of 66.72, ranking in the lower half of the state's 100 counties. Most hazard categories remain below the statewide norm.
Safest among northeastern coastal neighbors
Hertford (68.16) shows lower composite risk than Edgecombe, Halifax, and Pitt counties to the west, and comparable or better risk than other Albemarle region counties. Its position offers relative safety compared to the broader northeastern coast.
Hurricane risk dominates coastal exposure
Hertford's hurricane risk score of 93.58 is exceptionally high, reflecting its low-lying coastal location vulnerable to storm surge and tropical systems. Tornado risk (47.58) is moderate, while flood and wildfire risks remain relatively subdued.
Hurricane preparedness is your priority
With hurricane risk at 93.58, Hertford residents must ensure comprehensive wind and water damage coverage in their homeowners policy. Elevation, storm shutters, and reinforced roofing provide essential protection against tropical systems.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hertford County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hertford County
Risk Verdict
At the 68th percentile nationally, Hertford County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Hertford County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Hertford County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 54th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (51th percentile), tornado (48th percentile), wildfire (31th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hertford County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 94th 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. Earthquake at the 54th percentile nationally is Hertford County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Hertford County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.
Regional Context
At 1.4 points from the North Carolina county mean, Hertford County's overall disaster risk profile is close to typical for this state, with no dramatic deviation in either direction.
Is your household prepared for Hertford County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hertford County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Hertford County?
How does Hertford County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Hertford County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Hertford 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.