Washington County Disaster Risk
Washington County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
60th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#67
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
47th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Washington County, North Carolina
Washington maintains below-average risk status
Washington County's composite risk score of 59.64 qualifies as Relatively Low, remaining below the national average of around 65. The county's overall exposure to natural disasters is more manageable than most U.S. counties.
Lower-risk county in North Carolina
Washington's 59.64 score falls below North Carolina's state average of 66.72, placing it among the state's safer counties. The county performs better than most on composite risk despite coastal exposure.
Comparable to Tyrrell but riskier overall
Washington (59.64) scores slightly higher than Tyrrell County (46.02) but lower than Watauga (71.85). Its position on North Carolina's northeastern coast balances hurricane exposure with distance from major tornado corridors.
Hurricanes pose greatest threat
Hurricane risk scores 93.78, making it Washington's dominant hazard concern and reflecting its coastal location. Wildfire and flood risks both reach moderate levels at 47.23 and 47.20 respectively, while earthquakes remain relatively low at 36.74.
Prepare for coastal storm impacts
Washington residents need comprehensive hurricane preparedness including shutters, reinforced roof structures, and evacuation plans. Flood insurance is essential in this coastal county where storm surge and heavy rainfall compound risk during landfalling hurricanes.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Washington County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Washington County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Washington County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 60th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Washington County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Washington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 47th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (47th percentile), tornado (42th percentile), earthquake (37th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane exposure at the 94th percentile nationally makes Washington County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Washington County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Wildfire at the 47th percentile nationally is Washington County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Washington County residents benefit from registering with the county's special-needs evacuation registry if household members have mobility limitations, require electricity-dependent medical equipment, or cannot self-evacuate — registration in advance of storm season is required.
Regional Context
Washington County's composite risk score sits 7.1 points below the North Carolina county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Washington County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Washington County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Washington County?
How does Washington County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Washington County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Washington 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.