Martin County Disaster Risk
Martin County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
65th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#61
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
55th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Martin County, North Carolina
Martin County faces moderate coastal risks
Martin County scores 65.46 on the composite risk scale with a "Relatively Low" rating, tracking just below North Carolina's 66.72 state average. However, this modest score masks extreme vulnerability to hurricanes (92.41), which dominates the county's risk profile and reflects its exposed coastal location.
Mid-range risk within North Carolina
Martin County ranks in the middle tier of North Carolina's 100 counties by overall risk, but its hurricane vulnerability (92.41) places it among the state's most exposed coastal communities. The county's relatively balanced risk across other hazards keeps its composite score moderate, but hurricane preparedness remains critical.
Comparable to other eastern plains counties
Martin County's 65.46 composite risk aligns closely with Montgomery County (48.95) and other inland peers, but its hurricane score (92.41) far exceeds neighboring agricultural counties. This coastal-specific vulnerability makes Martin County distinct from its western and piedmont neighbors in terms of storm surge and wind exposure.
Hurricanes dominate; tornadoes secondary threat
Hurricane risk (92.41) is Martin County's overwhelming hazard, driven by Atlantic exposure and the county's low elevation and open terrain. Tornado risk (60.24) poses a secondary but meaningful threat, while flood risk (55.03) reflects both coastal storm surge potential and inland precipitation from tropical systems.
Hurricane insurance is non-negotiable here
Martin County residents must secure comprehensive hurricane and flood insurance, as standard homeowners policies typically exclude both wind and water damage from tropical storms. Retrofit your home with storm shutters, reinforce your roof, and maintain a 30-day emergency supply kit—hurricanes are not a matter of if, but when.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Martin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Martin County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Martin County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 65th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Martin County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Martin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (55th percentile), earthquake (40th percentile), wildfire (35th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane exposure at the 92th percentile nationally makes Martin County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Martin County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Martin County's tornado exposure at the 60th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Martin County residents benefit from registering with the county's special-needs evacuation registry if household members have mobility limitations, require electricity-dependent medical equipment, or cannot self-evacuate — registration in advance of storm season is required.
Regional Context
Martin County's risk score is broadly comparable to the North Carolina county average, with a 1.3-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Martin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Martin County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Martin County?
How does Martin County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Martin County at risk for hurricane?
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Is Martin County a safe place to live?
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.