Scotland County Disaster Risk
Scotland County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
64th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#64
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
56th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 81% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Scotland County, North Carolina
Scotland County's risk hovers near national baseline
With a composite risk score of 63.65, Scotland County sits below the state average of 66.72 and remains in the relatively low risk category nationally. The county's profile is dominated by earthquake and hurricane risks rather than the tornado and flood hazards common in neighboring counties.
Below-average risk profile for North Carolina
Scotland's 63.65 score places it among North Carolina's lower-risk counties, sitting comfortably below the state average of 66.72. Despite this favorable overall rating, the county faces unexpected vulnerability to earthquakes (81.46) and hurricanes (86.98).
Scotland is safer than neighboring Sampson County
Scotland's 63.65 score is meaningfully lower than Sampson's 90.20, reflecting less coastal exposure and a more interior location. Compared to Rutherford (72.68) and Transylvania (64.25), Scotland occupies the safer end of the regional risk spectrum.
Earthquakes and hurricanes pose Scotland's biggest threats
Scotland faces earthquake risk (81.46) and hurricane risk (86.98) as its two highest hazards, an unusual combination driven partly by the county's interior location and seismic sensitivity. Tornado risk (80.79) rounds out the top three, a more typical threat for the Piedmont region.
Earthquake and hurricane riders strengthen your coverage
Scotland residents should add earthquake insurance and ensure their homeowners policies include robust wind coverage for hurricanes, as standard policies exclude both. With earthquake risk at 81.46 and hurricane risk at 86.98, dual protection provides peace of mind in this lower-risk but still-vulnerable county.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Scotland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Scotland County
Risk Verdict
Scotland County ranks at the 64th 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 Scotland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 82th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (81th percentile), tornado (81th percentile), flood (56th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Scotland County ranks at the 87th 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. Scotland County's wildfire exposure at the 82th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For extended post-storm outages common in Scotland 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
The county's composite score diverges by only 3.1 points from the North Carolina average, making Scotland County's hazard profile broadly typical for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Scotland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Scotland County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Scotland County?
How does Scotland County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Scotland County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Scotland County a safe place to live?
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.