Horry County Disaster Risk
Horry County, South Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
98th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#2
of 46 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
92th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very High
Higher than 100% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Horry County, South Carolina
Horry County faces elevated national risk
Horry County's composite risk score of 98.19 places it in the Relatively High category, significantly above the national average. This coastal county experiences above-average exposure to multiple hazard types simultaneously.
Highest-risk county in South Carolina
Horry County ranks as South Carolina's most hazard-prone county, scoring 27.44 points above the state average of 70.75. Of all 46 state counties, Horry faces the most comprehensive disaster risk profile.
Riskier than all surrounding counties
Georgetown County (lower score) and Florence County (lower exposure) both face fewer combined hazards than Horry. Your county's coastal location and low-lying terrain amplify risks across nearly every disaster category.
Hurricanes dominate, flooding and tornadoes follow
Hurricane risk (99.58) is nearly at maximum, with flood risk (92.02) and tornado risk (96.69) creating a triple threat. Combined, these three hazards make Horry one of America's most disaster-prone counties.
Prioritize flood and hurricane insurance
Standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage—purchase National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private flood insurance immediately. Add separate wind/hurricane coverage to protect against the county's highest-scoring threat.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Horry County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Horry County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard exposure in Horry County is notably high, placing it at the 98th percentile among all U.S. counties. Horry County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Horry County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 100th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 97th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (96th percentile), flood (92th percentile), wildfire (90th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 100th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, Horry 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. Tornado, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 97th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Horry County independent of hurricane season. For Horry 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
A composite score 27.4 points above the South Carolina state average puts Horry County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Horry County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Horry County, SC?
What types of natural hazards affect Horry County?
How does Horry County risk compare to the South Carolina average?
Is Horry County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Horry 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.