Union County Disaster Risk
Union County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
89th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#19
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
92th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% 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
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 81% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Union County, North Carolina
Union faces above-average disaster exposure
Union County's composite risk score of 89.06 ranks as Relatively Moderate—well above the national average and placing it among higher-risk U.S. counties. The county confronts multiple serious natural disaster hazards simultaneously.
Among North Carolina's highest-risk counties
Union's score of 89.06 far exceeds North Carolina's state average of 66.72, ranking it among the state's most vulnerable counties. Only a handful of North Carolina counties face comparable overall risk levels.
Riskier than surrounding counties
Union County (89.06) faces substantially higher risk than Warren County (50.76) and Vance County (48.38) to its north. Wake County (95.55) remains the only immediate neighbor with comparable overall exposure.
Tornados, floods, and earthquakes threaten
Union faces extreme tornado risk at 94.69 and significant flood risk at 92.49—typical of the Piedmont region's exposure. Earthquake risk of 84.99 adds an additional layer of concern uncommon to most North Carolina counties.
Invest in comprehensive coverage now
Union residents need flood insurance, a reinforced safe room or storm shelter for tornado protection, and earthquake-resistant improvements. Multiple hazards demand a layered approach—standard homeowners insurance alone is insufficient.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Union County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Union County
Risk Verdict
Union County's overall risk score at the 89th percentile nationally signals meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Union County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 92th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (85th percentile), hurricane (81th percentile), wildfire (42th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Union County ranks at the 95th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Union County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. The secondary flood hazard at the 92th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Union County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Union County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
Compared to other North Carolina counties, Union County runs 22.3 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Union County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Union County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Union County?
How does Union County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Union County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Union 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.