Johnston County Disaster Risk
Johnston County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
86th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#25
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 53% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Johnston County, North Carolina
Johnston County faces Relatively Moderate risk nationally
Johnston County's composite score of 85.56 places it in the Relatively Moderate category, well above both the national and state averages. This elevated exposure spans tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes, making Johnston one of North Carolina's higher-risk counties overall.
Johnston ranks among North Carolina's riskiest
At 85.56, Johnston's composite score significantly exceeds the state average of 66.72, positioning it as one of the highest-risk counties in North Carolina. The Relatively Moderate rating reflects serious multi-hazard exposure that demands proactive preparedness.
Johnston faces notably higher risks than surrounding counties
Johnston's 85.56 score substantially exceeds neighboring Lee County (67.49) and Lincoln County (73.76), making it the riskiest county in its immediate region. The gap is driven by Johnston's extreme tornado risk of 93.64 and elevated hurricane exposure at 86.32.
Tornadoes and hurricanes drive Johnston's high risk
Tornado risk reaches 93.64 in Johnston—the highest hazard score county-wide—while hurricane risk climbs to 86.32, both far exceeding state norms. Flood risk also ranks high at 87.09, creating a trio of water and wind threats that dominate the county's hazard profile.
Multi-hazard coverage is non-negotiable in Johnston
Johnston residents must carry comprehensive homeowners insurance that includes flood, wind, and hail protection to address the county's severe tornado and hurricane exposure. Review your coverage limits before storm season, identify a safe shelter space in your home, and maintain a current emergency action plan.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Johnston County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Johnston County
Risk Verdict
With a composite score at the 86th percentile, Johnston County sits above the national median for natural hazard exposure. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Johnston County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Johnston County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 87th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (86th percentile), earthquake (69th percentile), wildfire (53th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 94th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Johnston County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. The secondary flood hazard at the 87th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Johnston County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Johnston County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
At 18.8 points above the North Carolina state average, Johnston County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical North Carolina county.
Is your household prepared for Johnston County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Johnston County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Johnston County?
How does Johnston County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Johnston County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Johnston 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.