Wilson County Disaster Risk
Wilson County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
76th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#41
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
77th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Wilson County, North Carolina
Wilson carries moderate disaster risk overall
Wilson County's composite risk score of 76.27 ranks it as relatively low but still above North Carolina's state average of 66.72. The county's risk profile is driven primarily by hurricane exposure, which significantly outpaces other hazard types in the region.
Wilson ranks in the middle statewide
At 76.27, Wilson County's composite score positions it moderately within North Carolina's disaster risk hierarchy. While not among the state's lowest-risk counties, Wilson faces somewhat higher exposure than half of all North Carolina counties.
Wilson is riskier than rural western neighbors
Wilson County's score of 76.27 far exceeds Yadkin County (38.36) and Yancey County (42.24), but trails the higher-exposure Wilkes County (82.63). This eastern county faces distinct risks compared to its more mountainous western neighbors.
Hurricanes dominate Wilson's risk profile
Wilson County's hurricane risk score of 90.36 stands as the county's most severe hazard exposure—among the highest in the entire state due to eastern North Carolina's coastal vulnerability. Flood risk (77.16) compounds hurricane dangers, while tornado (70.23) and earthquake (67.75) risks remain secondary but notable.
Prioritize flood insurance for hurricane season
Wilson County's extreme hurricane and flood risks demand flood insurance as a critical first step, since standard homeowners policies exclude water damage. With hurricane season bringing frequent storm surge and inland flooding, ensure your policy covers the full replacement value of your home and contents.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Wilson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Wilson County
Risk Verdict
Wilson County's FEMA risk score places it at the 76th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Wilson County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Wilson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 90th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 77th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (70th percentile), earthquake (68th percentile), wildfire (40th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With hurricane ranked at the 90th percentile nationally, Wilson County sits in a zone where multi-day supply readiness matters: grid outages after landfalling storms can last one to three weeks in heavily affected areas. Wilson County's flood exposure at the 77th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Insurance gaps are the most common post-hurricane financial shock: standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood damage and may have a separate wind deductible. Wilson County households benefit from a pre-season insurance review confirming both wind and flood coverage.
Regional Context
The North Carolina county average is 9.5 composite points below Wilson County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Wilson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Wilson County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Wilson County?
How does Wilson County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Wilson County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Wilson 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.