Edgefield County Disaster Risk
Edgefield County, South Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
22th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#45
of 46 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
31th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Edgefield County, South Carolina
Edgefield enjoys very low disaster risk
Edgefield County scores just 21.98 on the composite risk scale, placing it far below both the national average and South Carolina's state average of 70.75. This very low risk rating reflects the county's inland location and relative insulation from major hazard zones.
One of South Carolina's safest counties
Edgefield ranks among the lowest-risk counties in South Carolina, with a composite score of 21.98 that is less than a third of the state average. This favorable position makes the county one of the most resilient in the state when it comes to natural disasters.
Edgefield significantly safer than peers
Edgefield's 21.98 score is dramatically lower than nearby Greenwood County (72.74) and Fairfield County (40.81), both of which face substantially higher composite risks. The county's inland, upland terrain provides natural protection that coastal and low-lying regions lack.
Earthquakes pose Edgefield's main concern
Earthquake risk registers at 68.10 in Edgefield, the highest hazard score despite the county's overall very low composite risk. Wildfire (57.89) and tornado (34.22) risks remain below state averages, reflecting the county's forested terrain and stable weather patterns.
Standard coverage typically sufficient here
Edgefield residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance for most scenarios, as flood and hurricane risks remain minimal at 31.27 and 69.84 respectively. Earthquake coverage remains optional but affordable, given the moderate seismic risk score.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Edgefield County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Edgefield County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Edgefield County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 22th percentile. At the 22th percentile, Edgefield County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Edgefield County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 68th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (58th percentile), tornado (34th percentile), flood (31th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 70th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, Edgefield County is in a zone where flood insurance matters beyond the primary wind risk: NFIP flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period before taking effect, making off-season enrollment the correct timing. Edgefield County's earthquake exposure at the 68th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For Edgefield County households, the hurricane preparedness calendar matters: flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, wind-hardening retrofits take weeks to schedule, and evacuation route scouting is best done before a storm watch is issued.
Regional Context
Edgefield County is 48.8 composite risk points below the South Carolina state mean, meaning most other South Carolina counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Edgefield County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Edgefield County, SC?
What types of natural hazards affect Edgefield County?
How does Edgefield County risk compare to the South Carolina average?
Is Edgefield County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Edgefield County a safe place to live?
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.