Barnwell County Disaster Risk
Barnwell County, South Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
46th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#37
of 46 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
35th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% 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
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Barnwell County, South Carolina
Barnwell's risk sits below national average
Barnwell County scores 45.83 on the composite risk scale with a Relatively Low rating, placing it well below the national average. The county faces comparatively modest combined threats from major natural disasters.
Below state average across South Carolina
At 45.83, Barnwell's composite score falls well short of South Carolina's state average of 70.75, positioning it among the state's safer counties. The county's overall risk profile is notably more favorable than most statewide peers.
Lower risk than most surrounding areas
Barnwell's 45.83 score closely matches Abbeville (45.36) and slightly beats Bamberg (46.47), keeping it among the region's safest counties. It substantially outperforms the high-risk counties of Aiken (84.22) and Anderson (87.18) to the west and north.
Earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires top list
Earthquake risk registers highest at 80.60, followed by hurricane risk (85.31) and wildfire risk (59.89), creating a mixed hazard profile. Flood risk (35.02) and tornado risk (66.06) remain more moderate and less immediately concerning.
Earthquake insurance is worthwhile investment
Obtain a dedicated earthquake insurance policy to protect against seismic damage excluded from standard homeowners coverage, given Barnwell's 80.60 earthquake score. Confirm that your wind and hurricane coverage is sufficient for the county's 85.31 hurricane risk rating.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Barnwell County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Barnwell County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 46th, Barnwell County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. The 46th percentile national ranking is one lens; Barnwell County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Barnwell County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 81th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (66th percentile), wildfire (60th percentile), flood (35th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 85th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Barnwell 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. Earthquake at the 81th percentile nationally is Barnwell County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Barnwell County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.
Regional Context
Barnwell County falls 24.9 points below South Carolina's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Barnwell County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Barnwell County, SC?
What types of natural hazards affect Barnwell County?
How does Barnwell County risk compare to the South Carolina average?
Is Barnwell County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Barnwell 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.