Clarendon County Disaster Risk
Clarendon County, South Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
76th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#25
of 46 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
50th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 81% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Clarendon County, South Carolina
Clarendon faces above-average national disaster risk
Clarendon County's composite risk score of 76.49 places it in the Relatively Low category but notably above the national average, reflecting above-average exposure to multiple natural disaster types. The county scores critically on hurricane (94.20), wildfire (81.17), and earthquake (88.39), indicating significant cumulative threat. This profile positions Clarendon among America's higher-risk counties despite its South Carolina Relatively Low rating.
Clarendon ranks above state average risk
Clarendon County's composite score of 76.49 exceeds South Carolina's 70.75 state average, placing it in the upper tier of the state's most hazard-exposed counties. Hurricane risk (94.20) and wildfire risk (81.17) particularly distinguish Clarendon from lower-risk interior counties, while earthquake exposure (88.39) adds additional concern. This positioning reflects Clarendon's vulnerability to coastal weather systems and seismic activity.
Clarendon comparable to nearby Colleton County
Clarendon County's 76.49 score closely mirrors neighboring Colleton County (85.46), positioning both as the region's higher-risk counties with similar hazard exposure patterns. Both counties exceed Chester County (43.16) and Chesterfield County (73.98) in overall risk, reflecting their greater proximity to Atlantic coastal threats. This similarity suggests shared disaster preparedness challenges across the region.
Hurricanes and wildfires dominate Clarendon hazards
Clarendon County faces exceptionally elevated hurricane risk (94.20) and wildfire risk (81.17), with both scoring in the critical range and representing the county's primary disaster concerns. Earthquake risk (88.39) also ranks well above typical county levels, while tornado (60.34) and flood (50.22) risks remain more moderate. The hurricane exposure particularly reflects Clarendon's proximity to Atlantic storm tracks.
Hurricane and wildfire coverage essential
Clarendon County homeowners must carry comprehensive wind and hurricane coverage given the 94.20 hurricane risk score—ensure your policy includes adequate deductibles and replacement cost coverage. Wildfire insurance deserves attention if your property adjoins forested areas, and earthquake coverage is worth considering given the elevated 88.39 score. Review your policy annually and maintain defensible space around your home to reduce wildfire vulnerability.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Clarendon County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Clarendon County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Clarendon County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 76th percentile. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Clarendon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 88th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (81th percentile), tornado (60th percentile), flood (50th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane exposure at the 94th percentile nationally makes Clarendon County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Clarendon County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Earthquake, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 88th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Clarendon County independent of hurricane season. Clarendon 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
Clarendon County is 5.7 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 Clarendon County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Clarendon County, SC?
What types of natural hazards affect Clarendon County?
How does Clarendon County risk compare to the South Carolina average?
Is Clarendon County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Clarendon 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.