Jackson County Disaster Risk
Jackson County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
80th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#36
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
83th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Jackson County, North Carolina
Jackson County exceeds typical U.S. hazard levels
Jackson County's composite risk score of 80.47 places it in the Relatively Low category but above the national average, indicating residents face more frequent natural hazard exposure than most Americans. Flood and earthquake risks are the primary drivers of this elevated profile.
Jackson ranks above the North Carolina average
At 80.47, Jackson County's composite score exceeds the state average of 66.72, putting it among the higher-risk counties in North Carolina. Despite the Relatively Low rating, its position reflects meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazards.
Jackson closely mirrors Iredell and Macon hazards
Jackson (80.47) sits between Macon County (73.79) and Iredell County (80.79) in overall risk, though Jackson's wildfire score of 46.34 is slightly lower than both neighbors. All three counties share comparable flood and earthquake vulnerabilities, reflecting their western North Carolina mountain geography.
Floods and earthquakes pose the greatest threats
Flood risk reaches 83.21 in Jackson, while earthquake risk ranks at 74.36—both substantial hazards requiring preparedness. Wildfire risk remains moderate at 46.34, and tornado risk is notably lower at 62.15, providing some relief in those categories.
Flood insurance and seismic coverage matter here
Jackson residents should secure flood insurance immediately, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Consider earthquake coverage as well, given the county's 74.36 score, and keep your emergency supply kit updated for rapid water or ground movement events.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Jackson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Jackson County
Risk Verdict
Jackson County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 80th percentile across all U.S. counties. Jackson County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Jackson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 74th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (67th percentile), tornado (62th percentile), wildfire (46th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 83th percentile nationally, Jackson County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. The county's second-ranked hazard, earthquake at the 74th percentile nationally, means Jackson County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Jackson County households.
Regional Context
A composite score 13.7 points above the North Carolina state average puts Jackson County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Jackson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Jackson County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Jackson County?
How does Jackson County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Jackson County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Jackson 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.