Florence County Disaster Risk
Florence County, South Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
90th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#11
of 46 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
83th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Florence County, South Carolina
Florence faces very high disaster risk
Florence County scores 89.57 on the composite risk scale, placing it significantly above both the national average and South Carolina's state average of 70.75. This relatively moderate rating masks exceptionally high exposure across multiple hazard categories.
Florence ranks among the state's riskiest
With a composite score of 89.57, Florence ranks near the very top of South Carolina's natural disaster risk profile, with only a handful of coastal and urban counties exceeding its exposure. The Pee Dee region's geography creates compound vulnerability to multiple simultaneous hazards.
Florence's risks dwarf nearby county averages
Florence's 89.57 score substantially exceeds Greenwood County (72.74) and edges out neighboring Dillon County (84.32). Only the most hazard-exposed coastal counties like Greenville (93.96) and Georgetown (92.49) match or exceed Florence's comprehensive risk profile.
Tornadoes and flooding are critical threats
Tornado risk peaks at 94.59 in Florence County—among the highest in South Carolina—while flood risk reaches 82.57 due to the county's low-lying terrain and river systems. Wildfire risk (86.45) and hurricane exposure (96.00) round out a severe four-hazard combination.
Multiple insurance layers are essential
Florence residents must secure flood insurance and windstorm coverage immediately, as standard homeowners policies cover neither. With tornado, flood, and hurricane risks all exceeding 82, comprehensive protection through separate policies is not a luxury—it's financial survival.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Florence County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Florence County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Florence County at the 90th percentile nationally — above average and worth proactive preparation. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Florence County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 95th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (93th percentile), wildfire (86th percentile), flood (83th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane exposure at the 96th percentile nationally makes Florence County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Florence County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Tornado at the 95th percentile nationally is Florence County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Florence 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
Florence County is 18.8 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 Florence County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Florence County, SC?
What types of natural hazards affect Florence County?
How does Florence County risk compare to the South Carolina average?
Is Florence County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Florence 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.