Colleton County Disaster Risk
Colleton County, South Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
85th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#16
of 46 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
78th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% 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 96% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Colleton County, South Carolina
Colleton faces moderate-to-elevated national risk
Colleton County's composite risk score of 85.46 places it in the Relatively Moderate category and well above the national average, indicating substantial exposure to multiple natural hazards. The county scores critically on hurricane (96.37), earthquake (93.70), and wildfire (82.76), with each hazard individually exceeding typical American county thresholds. This profile positions Colleton as one of the nation's higher-risk counties.
Colleton ranks among South Carolina's highest-risk
Colleton County's composite score of 85.46 substantially exceeds South Carolina's 70.75 state average, placing it among the state's most hazard-exposed counties. Only Charleston County (98.63) ranks higher in overall disaster risk, making Colleton a significant concern within the state's disaster landscape. The county's coastal proximity and geological positioning create compounded vulnerability across multiple hazard types.
Colleton higher risk than inland neighboring counties
Colleton County's 85.46 score substantially exceeds Chester County (43.16) and Chesterfield County (73.98), and closely approaches nearby Charleston County (98.63), reflecting its coastal exposure. Clarendon County (76.49) ranks notably lower than Colleton, illustrating how proximity to the Atlantic creates elevated disaster exposure. This positioning reflects Colleton's greater vulnerability to coastal storm systems compared to inland peers.
Hurricanes and earthquakes drive extreme exposure
Colleton County faces exceptional hurricane risk (96.37) and earthquake risk (93.70), both scoring in the critical range and representing the county's primary disaster concerns. Wildfire risk (82.76) also ranks significantly elevated, while flood (78.20) and tornado (60.56) risks add additional seasonal exposure. The combination of coastal hurricane vulnerability and high seismic exposure creates a compound disaster profile.
Specialized insurance critical for Colleton residents
Colleton County homeowners must prioritize comprehensive wind and hurricane coverage in their homeowners policies given the exceptional 96.37 hurricane risk—ensure your deductibles are manageable for severe storm repairs. Flood insurance is essential and should be reviewed regularly as coastal hazards evolve, and earthquake coverage deserves serious consideration given the elevated 93.70 score. Annual policy reviews with a local insurance specialist are critical for maintaining adequate protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Colleton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Colleton County
Risk Verdict
Colleton County registers a moderately elevated natural disaster risk, ranking at the 85th percentile across all U.S. counties. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Colleton County.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Colleton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 94th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (83th percentile), flood (78th percentile), tornado (61th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Colleton County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 96th percentile nationally. Having a designated out-of-area contact, a pre-packed go-bag with medications and documents, and a confirmed evacuation route reduces decision-making load when a storm intensifies rapidly. Earthquake at the 94th percentile nationally is Colleton County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Colleton County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.
Regional Context
Colleton County falls 14.7 points above South Carolina's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Colleton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Colleton County, SC?
What types of natural hazards affect Colleton County?
How does Colleton County risk compare to the South Carolina average?
Is Colleton County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Colleton 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.