Swain County Disaster Risk
Swain County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
49th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#77
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
63th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Swain County, North Carolina
Swain County enjoys low natural disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 49.11, Swain County sits well below both the state average of 66.72 and most national peers, earning a relatively low risk rating. The county's mountainous terrain and interior location provide natural protection against coastal and wind-driven hazards.
Below-average risk among North Carolina counties
Swain's 49.11 score places it among North Carolina's safest communities, sitting substantially below the state average of 66.72. The county's low tornado risk (35.43) is particularly notable, reflecting the protective effects of Appalachian geography.
Swain is safer than most regional neighbors
Swain's 49.11 score is lower than Transylvania (64.25), Rutherford (72.68), and all other measured counties in the region. The county's mountain location provides advantages that translate directly into reduced disaster vulnerability.
Floods represent Swain's primary natural disaster risk
Flood risk (62.50) is Swain's highest hazard score, likely reflecting the county's mountain streams and elevation changes. Wildfire (60.31) and earthquake (63.39) risks are moderate, while tornado (35.43) and hurricane (54.15) risks remain well below state averages.
Flood insurance is Swain's main coverage priority
Swain County residents should focus on flood insurance for stream and flash flood protection, particularly those in mountain valleys or near watercourses. With overall composite risk at 49.11 and flood risk at 62.50, targeted flood coverage provides the most critical protection for this mountain community.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Swain County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Swain County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Swain County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 49th percentile. Even at the 49th percentile, Swain County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Swain County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 63th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (60th percentile), hurricane (54th percentile), tornado (35th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 63th percentile nationally puts Swain County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. Alongside earthquake exposure, Swain County's flood risk at the 63th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Swain County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.
Regional Context
Swain County's composite risk score sits 17.6 points below the North Carolina county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Swain County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Swain County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Swain County?
How does Swain County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
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How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Swain 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.