Macon County Disaster Risk
Macon County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
74th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#44
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
71th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Macon County, North Carolina
Macon County's risk moderately exceeds U.S. levels
Macon County scores 73.79 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category but above the national average. The score reflects balanced multi-hazard exposure, with wildfire emerging as an above-average threat for this Appalachian county.
Macon ranks above the North Carolina average
At 73.79, Macon County's composite score exceeds the state average of 66.72, positioning it in the upper-middle tier of North Carolina counties for natural disaster risk. The county's profile reflects its mountainous western geography and associated hazards.
Macon faces higher wildfire risk than Jackson County
Macon (73.79) and Jackson County (80.47) are neighboring western counties with similar overall risk, but Macon's wildfire score of 58.52 substantially exceeds Jackson's 46.34. Both counties share comparable flood and earthquake exposure typical of the Blue Ridge region.
Wildfires and floods are Macon's chief hazards
Wildfire risk reaches 58.52 in Macon—above the state average and the highest score among these eight counties—while flood risk stands at 70.80. Tornado risk remains moderate at 60.91, and earthquake and hurricane risks are below 70, offering some regional relief.
Prepare for wildfire and flood threats now
Macon residents should maintain homeowners insurance that covers both flood damage and ensure their homes meet wildfire-resistant building standards. Create a defensible space around your property by clearing dead vegetation, secure your gutters, and keep an evacuation kit ready during fire season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Macon County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Macon County
Risk Verdict
Macon County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 74th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Macon County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Macon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 71th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (66th percentile), tornado (61th percentile), wildfire (59th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 71th percentile nationally, Macon 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. Alongside flooding, earthquake exposure at the 70th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. 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 Macon County households.
Regional Context
A composite score 7.1 points above the North Carolina state average puts Macon County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Macon County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Macon County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Macon County?
How does Macon County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Macon County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Macon 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.