Lee County Disaster Risk
Lee County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
67th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#55
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
72th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 81% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lee County, North Carolina
Lee County's risk is slightly above the U.S. average
Lee County scores 67.49 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category and marginally above the national average. The score reflects balanced exposure across tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods, without extreme concentration in any single hazard.
Lee ranks just above the North Carolina average
At 67.49, Lee County's composite score barely exceeds the state average of 66.72, positioning it as a fairly typical North Carolina county for natural disaster risk. This central positioning reflects mid-range exposure to multiple hazard types.
Lee sits between safer Jones and riskier Johnston
Lee County (67.49) falls between the lower-risk Jones County (64.50) and much higher-risk Johnston County (85.56), serving as a moderate benchmark for the region. Lee's tornado score of 81.49 and hurricane score of 84.77 are substantial but lower than Johnston's extremes.
Hurricanes and tornadoes are Lee's chief concerns
Hurricane risk reaches 84.77 and tornado risk climbs to 81.49, making wind-driven hazards the primary threat to Lee County residents. Flood risk also ranks notably at 71.69, while wildfire risk remains moderate at 54.33.
Wind and flood coverage should be your focus
Lee County residents need comprehensive homeowners insurance that explicitly covers wind damage and includes separate flood protection, given the county's elevated hurricane and tornado exposure. Review your policy before severe weather season and ensure your deductibles are manageable.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lee County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lee County
Risk Verdict
At the 67th percentile nationally, Lee County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Lee County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Lee County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 81th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (72th percentile), earthquake (70th percentile), wildfire (54th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Lee County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 85th 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. Lee County's tornado exposure at the 81th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Lee County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.
Regional Context
At 0.8 points from the North Carolina county mean, Lee 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 Lee County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lee County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Lee County?
How does Lee County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Lee County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Lee 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.