Iredell County Disaster Risk
Iredell County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
81th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#32
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
87th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Iredell County, North Carolina
Iredell's risk sits above the U.S. average
Iredell County scores 80.79 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category but notably higher than the national average. This means residents face greater exposure to multiple natural hazards than the typical American county, driven primarily by flood and tornado threats.
A moderate hazard profile for North Carolina
Iredell ranks above the state average of 66.72, positioning it in the upper-middle tier of North Carolina counties for overall natural disaster risk. The county's 80.79 score reflects above-average flood and tornado exposure relative to its peers across the state.
Iredell faces similar risks to nearby Lincoln
Iredell's composite score of 80.79 is closely aligned with Lincoln County (73.76), though Iredell carries noticeably higher flood risk at 86.64 versus Lincoln's 83.24. Both counties share elevated tornado risk, making them part of a cohesive regional hazard pattern in the Piedmont.
Floods and tornadoes dominate Iredell's hazards
Flood risk scores highest at 86.64, followed by tornado risk at 85.88—both well above the state average—making these dual threats the primary concern for residents. Earthquake risk registers at 79.77, while wildfire remains the lowest threat at 43.26, offering some regional relief in that category.
Prioritize flood and wind coverage now
Given Iredell's elevated flood and tornado exposure, comprehensive homeowners insurance that includes flood coverage and wind damage protection is essential. Review your policy's limits and deductibles annually, and consider bundling coverage to reduce premiums while maximizing protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Iredell County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Iredell County
Risk Verdict
Iredell County's FEMA risk score places it at the 81th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Iredell County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Iredell County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 86th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (80th percentile), hurricane (70th percentile), wildfire (43th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 87th percentile nationally for flood risk, Iredell County residents benefit from understanding their specific flood zone status. Even one inch of floodwater causes significant structural damage to properties outside officially designated high-risk zones. Secondary tornado exposure at the 86th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Iredell County's primary hazards — including how to shelter in place or evacuate, and who to call — provides more real protection than a general emergency kit sitting unused on a shelf.
Regional Context
The North Carolina county average is 14.1 composite points below Iredell County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Iredell County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Iredell County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Iredell County?
How does Iredell County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Iredell County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Iredell 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.