Beaufort County Disaster Risk
Beaufort County, South Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
97th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#3
of 46 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
94th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Beaufort County, South Carolina
Beaufort ranks among nation's highest-risk
Beaufort County scores 97.11 on the composite risk scale with a Relatively High rating, placing it among the most hazardous counties in America. The county faces substantial combined exposure to nearly every category of natural disaster.
South Carolina's highest-risk county
At 97.11, Beaufort's composite score dramatically exceeds South Carolina's state average of 70.75, making it the state's single most disaster-prone county. The county's elevated risk spans every major hazard category.
Riskiest county on the coast
Beaufort's 97.11 score substantially exceeds neighboring Berkeley County (94.82), making it the most hazardous in its immediate region. Only Beaufort itself approaches this level of comprehensive natural disaster risk in South Carolina.
Hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes most severe
Hurricane risk dominates at a near-maximum 99.46, reflecting Beaufort's coastal location and exposure to Atlantic storms. Flood risk (94.20) and earthquake risk (93.61) compound the threat profile, with wildfire risk (90.30) also registering dangerously high.
Comprehensive protection is non-negotiable
Secure flood insurance immediately—Beaufort's 94.20 flood risk demands coverage that standard homeowners policies exclude, and it's the single greatest hazard you face. Purchase a separate earthquake policy and ensure your hurricane wind coverage is maximal, as the county's 99.46 hurricane score represents some of the nation's highest coastal exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Beaufort County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Beaufort County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index places Beaufort County at the 97th percentile nationally — in the high-risk bracket for U.S. counties. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Beaufort County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 94th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (94th percentile), wildfire (90th percentile), tornado (82th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane exposure at the 99th percentile nationally makes Beaufort County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Beaufort County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Beaufort County's flood exposure at the 94th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Beaufort 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
Beaufort County is 26.4 composite risk points above the South Carolina average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Beaufort County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Beaufort County, SC?
What types of natural hazards affect Beaufort County?
How does Beaufort County risk compare to the South Carolina average?
Is Beaufort County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Beaufort 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.