Pender County Disaster Risk
Pender County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
87th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#23
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
82th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pender County, North Carolina
Pender County faces elevated disaster risk
Pender County's composite risk score of 86.93 and 'Relatively Moderate' rating indicate substantial natural disaster exposure above the national average. Coastal geography creates compounded hazards across multiple disaster types.
High-risk coastal county in North Carolina
Pender's 86.93 score exceeds the state average of 66.72 by 20 points, reflecting its position as one of North Carolina's most hazard-prone counties. Coastal and low-elevation locations amplify vulnerability to hurricanes, flooding, and wildfire.
Slightly lower risk than New Hanover and Onslow
Pender County (86.93) forms part of the coastal high-risk corridor with New Hanover (96.12) and Onslow (94.97), though it ranks slightly lower overall. All three counties share nearly identical hurricane exposure and similar flood and wildfire vulnerabilities.
Hurricanes and wildfires drive Pender's risk
Pender's hurricane risk of 97.16 is near maximum, with coastal storm surge and inland wind damage affecting properties throughout the county. Wildfire risk of 86.93 creates additional seasonal danger, especially during dry periods.
Ensure comprehensive multi-hazard insurance
Pender County homeowners should obtain both flood insurance and confirm that standard policies include hurricane wind coverage with appropriate deductibles. Reinforce roof attachments, consider impact-resistant windows, and maintain defensible space to reduce wildfire risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pender County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pender County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard risk in Pender County is higher than the majority of U.S. counties, with a national composite rank of 87th. Pender County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Pender County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 87th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (82th percentile), tornado (71th percentile), earthquake (56th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 97th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, Pender County is in a zone where flood insurance matters beyond the primary wind risk: NFIP flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period before taking effect, making off-season enrollment the correct timing. Pender County's wildfire exposure at the 87th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For Pender County households, the hurricane preparedness calendar matters: flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, wind-hardening retrofits take weeks to schedule, and evacuation route scouting is best done before a storm watch is issued.
Regional Context
A composite score 20.2 points above the North Carolina state average puts Pender County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Pender County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pender County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Pender County?
How does Pender County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Pender County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Pender 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.