Dillon County Disaster Risk
Dillon County, South Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
84th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#17
of 46 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
62th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% 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 80% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Dillon County, South Carolina
Dillon faces above-average disaster risk
Dillon County scores 84.32 on the composite risk scale, well above the national average and significantly higher than South Carolina's 70.75 state average. This rating places the county in the relatively moderate risk category, meaning residents face meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazards.
Among the riskiest in South Carolina
Dillon ranks as one of South Carolina's highest-risk counties, with its 84.32 composite score placing it firmly in the upper tier of state risk profiles. This elevated standing reflects the county's particular vulnerability to several hazard types that affect the Pee Dee region.
Dillon's risk compared to neighbors
Dillon's 84.32 score exceeds nearby Florence County (89.57) slightly and outpaces Greenwood County (72.74) by a substantial margin. Among its immediate peers, Dillon represents a mid-to-high risk zone that demands serious preparedness.
Hurricanes and earthquakes top Dillon's threats
Hurricane risk reaches 96.33 in Dillon County—nearly the highest in the state—while earthquake risk scores 85.43, reflecting the county's sensitivity to distant seismic and tropical storm activity. Wildfire risk also registers at 81.27, making vegetation management and evacuation readiness essential for rural properties.
Secure comprehensive coverage now
Dillon residents should prioritize flood and wind insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude both hurricane and flood damage. Given the county's high hurricane risk score of 96.33, supplemental coverage is not optional—it's a practical necessity for protecting your property investment.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Dillon County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Dillon County
Risk Verdict
Dillon County's overall risk score at the 84th percentile nationally signals meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Dillon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 85th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (81th percentile), tornado (80th percentile), flood (62th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Dillon County ranks at the 96th percentile nationally for hurricane risk. For coastal counties, wind-resistant shutters or impact-rated windows represent the highest single structural investment for reducing property damage. Earthquake, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 85th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Dillon County independent of hurricane season. For extended post-storm outages common in Dillon County's hurricane zone, a portable generator (operated outdoors only) and a supply of non-perishable food for at least seven days provides meaningful household resilience.
Regional Context
Compared to other South Carolina counties, Dillon County runs 13.6 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Dillon County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Dillon County, SC?
What types of natural hazards affect Dillon County?
How does Dillon County risk compare to the South Carolina average?
Is Dillon County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Dillon 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.