Onslow County Disaster Risk
Onslow County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
95th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#5
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
81th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 81% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Onslow County, North Carolina
Onslow faces high disaster risk nationwide
With a composite risk score of 94.97 and a 'Relatively High' rating, Onslow County ranks among America's more hazardous counties for natural disasters. This reflects its coastal position and vulnerability to the full spectrum of Atlantic weather hazards.
Among North Carolina's highest-risk counties
Onslow's 94.97 score far exceeds the state average of 66.72, placing it near the top tier of North Carolina counties by risk. Proximity to the Atlantic and low elevation make coastal and inland areas alike vulnerable to hurricanes, storms, and flooding.
Rivals New Hanover and Pender risk levels
Onslow (94.97) is nearly equal to New Hanover County (96.12) and Pender County (86.93) in total risk, forming a coastal trio of highest-hazard zones. All three counties share similar hurricane, wildfire, and flood exposures that demand comparable preparation.
Hurricanes and wildfires are primary threats
Onslow's hurricane risk of 98.96 is nearly maximal, with coastal and even inland areas subject to destructive storm surge and winds. Wildfire risk of 85.91 and tornado risk of 85.81 create additional seasonal hazards, particularly during spring and fall months.
Invest in comprehensive disaster insurance
Onslow homeowners should carry both standard homeowners insurance and separate flood coverage, as coastal properties especially face storm surge and surge-driven flooding. Reinforce roof connections and consider impact-resistant windows or shutters to minimize hurricane damage and reduce insurance premiums.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Onslow County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Onslow County
Risk Verdict
With a national rank of 95th percentile, Onslow County faces above-average natural disaster pressure across several hazard categories. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Onslow County.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Onslow County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 86th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (86th percentile), flood (81th percentile), earthquake (67th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Onslow County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 99th 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. Wildfire at the 86th percentile nationally is Onslow County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Onslow County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.
Regional Context
Onslow County falls 28.2 points above North Carolina's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Onslow County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Onslow County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Onslow County?
How does Onslow County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Onslow County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Onslow 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.