Pamlico County Disaster Risk
Pamlico County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
72th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#49
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
58th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pamlico County, North Carolina
Pamlico faces above-average disaster risk
Pamlico County's composite risk score of 72.36 and 'Relatively Low' rating sit above the national average, reflecting coastal exposure despite its small population. Hurricane vulnerability dominates the hazard profile.
Slightly above North Carolina average
Pamlico's 72.36 score edges above the state average of 66.72, placing it in the moderate-risk band for North Carolina counties. The county's coastal position creates hurricane exposure that outweighs lower wildfire and tornado threats.
Lower-risk than Pender, higher than Pasquotank
Pamlico County (72.36) sits between Pender County (86.93) to the south and Pasquotank County (58.68) to the north in overall risk ranking. Its unique hazard mix—high hurricane risk paired with substantial wildfire danger—sets it apart from neighbors.
Hurricanes and wildfire are key concerns
Pamlico's hurricane risk of 95.66 is among the highest in the state, with low-lying coastal areas facing storm surge and flooding. Wildfire risk of 77.96 creates secondary seasonal danger, particularly during drier months.
Secure flood and wind protection coverage
Pamlico residents should obtain flood insurance, especially those in flood-prone areas; standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Ensure wind/hail coverage with appropriate deductibles and maintain defensible space around structures to reduce wildfire risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pamlico County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pamlico County
Risk Verdict
Pamlico County ranks at the 72th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Pamlico County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 78th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (58th percentile), tornado (36th percentile), earthquake (32th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Pamlico County ranks at the 96th percentile nationally for hurricane risk. For coastal counties, wind-resistant shutters or impact-rated windows represent the highest single structural investment for reducing property damage. Wildfire, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 78th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Pamlico County independent of hurricane season. For extended post-storm outages common in Pamlico County's hurricane zone, a portable generator (operated outdoors only) and a supply of non-perishable food for at least seven days provides meaningful household resilience.
Regional Context
Compared to other North Carolina counties, Pamlico County runs 5.6 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Pamlico County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pamlico County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Pamlico County?
How does Pamlico County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Pamlico County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Pamlico 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.