Darlington County Disaster Risk
Darlington County, South Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
72th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#29
of 46 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
64th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Darlington County, South Carolina
Darlington faces slightly above-average national risk
Darlington County's composite risk score of 72.26 places it in the Relatively Low category but slightly above the national average, reflecting moderate exposure to natural disasters. The county scores elevated on tornado (84.35), hurricane (87.86), and earthquake (86.10), while flood (64.22) and wildfire (73.95) remain more controlled. This profile positions Darlington as an average-to-above-average risk county within the national context.
Darlington ranks slightly above state average
Darlington County's composite score of 72.26 exceeds South Carolina's 70.75 state average, placing it among the state's moderate-risk counties despite its Relatively Low designation. Tornado (84.35), hurricane (87.86), and earthquake (86.10) exposures particularly elevate Darlington's profile relative to lower-risk inland counties. This positioning reflects Darlington's combined exposure to spring severe weather and Atlantic hurricane tracks.
Darlington comparable in risk to Chesterfield
Darlington County's 72.26 score closely aligns with Chesterfield County (73.98), positioning both as the region's moderate-risk counties with similar hazard exposure. Both significantly exceed Chester County (43.16) in overall risk while remaining well below coastal Charleston County (98.63). This similarity suggests shared disaster preparedness concerns across the regional corridor.
Tornadoes and hurricanes present primary threats
Darlington County's highest risks stem from tornado (84.35), hurricane (87.86), and earthquake (86.10) hazards, all scoring significantly above typical county levels and creating compound severe weather exposure. Wildfire risk (73.95) remains meaningful, while flood risk (64.22) ranks moderate. The combination of spring tornado season and Atlantic hurricane tracks creates distinct seasonal vulnerability periods.
Wind coverage and earthquake insurance recommended
Darlington County homeowners should maintain comprehensive wind and hail coverage in their homeowners policies given tornado (84.35) and hurricane (87.86) exposures—ensure deductibles reflect realistic repair costs. Earthquake insurance merits consideration given the elevated 86.10 score, and reviewing flood exposure in low-lying areas remains prudent despite moderate flood risk. Annual policy reviews ensure your coverage keeps pace with changing climate conditions and property values.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Darlington County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Darlington County
Risk Verdict
Darlington County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 72th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Darlington County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Darlington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 88th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 86th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (84th percentile), wildfire (74th percentile), flood (64th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane risk is Darlington County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 88th percentile nationally. The most time-sensitive preparedness step is knowing the county's evacuation zone for your address — zone maps are published by the county emergency management office. Darlington County's earthquake exposure at the 86th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Darlington County's county emergency management office publishes official evacuation zone maps with zone-specific shelter locations; downloading this map and identifying your zone assignment is the single highest-value pre-season step.
Regional Context
At just 1.5 composite points from the South Carolina average, Darlington County's natural disaster risk is closely in line with its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Darlington County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Darlington County, SC?
What types of natural hazards affect Darlington County?
How does Darlington County risk compare to the South Carolina average?
Is Darlington County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Darlington 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.