Sampson County Disaster Risk
Sampson County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
90th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#12
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
70th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sampson County, North Carolina
Sampson County faces notably elevated disaster risk
Sampson's composite risk score of 90.20 places it in the relatively moderate category—significantly higher than most U.S. counties and well above the national average. Hurricane risk alone registers at 97.50, among the highest in North Carolina, reflecting coastal storm vulnerability.
Among North Carolina's highest-risk counties
At 90.20, Sampson's composite risk score substantially exceeds the state average of 66.72, ranking it among the riskiest counties in North Carolina. The county's hurricane exposure (97.50) is the single highest statewide, amplified by proximity to coastal surge and storm systems.
Sampson stands out as the region's riskiest county
With a 90.20 score, Sampson is meaningfully riskier than neighboring Rutherford (72.68) and Scotland (63.65), reflecting its southeastern coastal positioning. The county's hurricane score of 97.50 dwarfs neighbors' equivalent scores, a defining regional difference.
Hurricanes and tornadoes threaten Sampson County
Hurricane risk (97.50) and tornado risk (80.22) are Sampson's dominant hazards, with the former being exceptionally severe compared to state and national peers. Flood risk (69.62) compounds the threat during Atlantic hurricane season, when all three hazards spike simultaneously.
Hurricane and flood insurance are non-negotiable here
Sampson County residents must secure hurricane-resistant property insurance and active flood insurance coverage, as standard policies exclude both wind and water damage from tropical systems. With composite risk at 90.20 and hurricane exposure near 98, comprehensive coverage is critical for recovery after major storms.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sampson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sampson County
Risk Verdict
Sampson County faces a moderate natural disaster risk profile, ranking at the 90th percentile nationally under FEMA's composite risk model. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Sampson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 80th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (73th percentile), flood (70th percentile), wildfire (69th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane risk is Sampson County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 97th percentile nationally. The most time-sensitive preparedness step is knowing the county's evacuation zone for your address — zone maps are published by the county emergency management office. Tornado at the 80th percentile nationally is Sampson County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Sampson County's county emergency management office publishes official evacuation zone maps with zone-specific shelter locations; downloading this map and identifying your zone assignment is the single highest-value pre-season step.
Regional Context
Sampson County's composite risk score sits 23.5 points above the North Carolina county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Sampson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sampson County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Sampson County?
How does Sampson County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Sampson County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Sampson 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.