Pitt County Disaster Risk
Pitt County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
90th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#13
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
88th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pitt County, North Carolina
Pitt County faces above-average U.S. disaster risk
Pitt County's composite risk score of 89.82 places it in the Relatively Moderate category—well above the national average. This score reflects significant exposure to multiple hazards, particularly hurricanes and tornadoes.
Eastern North Carolina's riskier counties
At 89.82, Pitt County ranks substantially above North Carolina's 66.72 state average, placing it among the state's higher-risk areas. Its location in eastern North Carolina's coastal plain contributes to above-average hurricane and flood exposure.
One of the riskiest in the eastern region
Pitt County (89.82) faces notably higher composite risk than western neighbors like Person County (41.54) and Randolph County (80.63). It trails only Robeson County (91.09) among this group, reflecting its coastal plain vulnerability.
Hurricanes and tornadoes dominate Pitt's hazards
Hurricane risk (96.29) and tornado risk (94.27) are exceptionally high, while flooding (87.72) represents a third major threat from the county's low-lying terrain. Together, these three hazards account for the bulk of Pitt County's disaster exposure.
Wind and flood coverage are essential
Pitt County residents must secure comprehensive homeowners insurance with explicit wind coverage for hurricanes and tornadoes. Flood insurance is strongly recommended; contact your agent about separate flood policies or NFIP coverage, as standard policies exclude water damage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pitt County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pitt County
Risk Verdict
Pitt County registers a moderately elevated natural disaster risk, ranking at the 90th percentile across all U.S. counties. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Pitt County.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Pitt County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 94th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (88th percentile), earthquake (72th percentile), wildfire (42th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Pitt County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 96th 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. Pitt County's tornado exposure at the 94th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Pitt County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.
Regional Context
Pitt County falls 23.1 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 Pitt County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pitt County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Pitt County?
How does Pitt County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Pitt County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Pitt 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.