Rockingham County Disaster Risk
Rockingham County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
72th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#50
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
83th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Rockingham County, North Carolina
Rockingham County edges above U.S. average
Rockingham County's composite risk score of 71.88 rates as Relatively Low but slightly exceeds the national average. This score reflects moderate exposure to multiple hazards typical of North Carolina's northern Piedmont.
Above North Carolina's average risk level
At 71.88, Rockingham County ranks above the state average of 66.72, placing it in the moderate-risk tier. Its Piedmont location contributes to above-average flood and tornado exposure.
Moderate risk shared with central counties
Rockingham County (71.88) faces higher composite risk than western neighbors like Person County (41.54) and Polk County (36.93), but lower than Rowan County (82.92). It represents the typical risk profile for Piedmont transitional areas.
Flooding and hurricanes top concern list
Flood risk (82.95) and hurricane risk (78.68) are Rockingham County's highest individual hazards, while tornado risk (56.42) poses a secondary concern. Wildfire risk (23.76) remains notably low for the region.
Flood and wind coverage essential
Rockingham County residents should secure homeowners insurance with comprehensive wind and tornado protection. Flood insurance is strongly recommended, particularly for properties in the county's river valleys and low-lying areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Rockingham County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Rockingham County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 72th, Rockingham County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Rockingham County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 79th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (68th percentile), tornado (56th percentile), wildfire (24th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 83th percentile nationally, Rockingham County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 79th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Registering for Rockingham County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
At 5.2 points above the North Carolina state average, Rockingham County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical North Carolina county.
Is your household prepared for Rockingham County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Rockingham County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Rockingham County?
How does Rockingham County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Rockingham County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Rockingham 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.