Warren County Disaster Risk
Warren County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
51th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#74
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
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Warren County, North Carolina
Warren enjoys below-average risk profile
Warren County's composite risk score of 50.76 earns a Relatively Low rating, placing it well below the national average. The county's exposure to natural disasters remains manageable compared to most American counties.
Among North Carolina's safer counties
At 50.76, Warren sits comfortably below North Carolina's state average of 66.72, ranking among the state's lower-risk jurisdictions. The county's location in the northeastern Piedmont provides some natural protection.
Similar profile to nearby counties
Warren (50.76) scores comparably to Vance County (48.38) and significantly better than Union County (89.06). The county's risk level reflects its distance from major tornado corridors and coastal hazard zones.
Hurricanes and floods lead hazard list
Hurricane risk dominates at 84.86, followed by tornado exposure at 57.67 and flood risk at 55.92. All other hazards remain relatively subdued, making wind-driven and water-related events the primary concerns.
Secure flood coverage and wind protection
Warren residents should purchase flood insurance and ensure roof reinforcement against high winds, as these represent the county's primary hazards. Standard homeowners insurance covers wind damage, but separate flood insurance is absolutely necessary.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Warren County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Warren County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 51th, Warren 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
Hurricane risk is Warren County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 58th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (56th percentile), earthquake (55th percentile), wildfire (27th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 85th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Warren County households benefit from reviewing both homeowners and flood insurance coverage before storm season begins — standard policies often exclude storm surge, which is the leading cause of hurricane fatalities. Tornado, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 58th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Warren County independent of hurricane season. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Warren County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.
Regional Context
Warren County falls 16.0 points below North Carolina's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Warren County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Warren County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Warren County?
How does Warren County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Warren County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Warren 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.