riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Laurens County Disaster Risk

Laurens County, South Carolina

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

76th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#26

of 46 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

72th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 72% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 49% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 65% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Moderate

Higher than 82% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 77% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Laurens County, South Carolina

Laurens County scores above national average

Laurens County's composite risk score of 76.21 ranks above the national average with a Relatively Low overall rating. Your county faces above-average but still manageable disaster exposure.

Upper-middle risk in South Carolina

Laurens County scores 5.46 points above South Carolina's average of 70.75, placing it in the higher-risk tier of state counties. Among 46 South Carolina counties, Laurens ranks in the upper-middle for overall hazard exposure.

Riskier than Kershaw, similar to Lancaster

Kershaw County (66.67) faces lower risk, while Lancaster County (79.42) and Newberry County (measured separately) present comparable threat levels. Laurens sits in an intermediate risk zone within the Piedmont region.

Hurricanes and floods pose main threats

Hurricane risk (76.76) and flood risk (71.95) are Laurens's top concerns, with tornado risk (65.20) as a secondary hazard. Wildfire risk (49.08) remains relatively low compared to neighboring counties.

Secure flood and hurricane coverage

Standard homeowners insurance excludes flood damage—obtain NFIP or private coverage to protect against your county's significant flood risk. Verify wind and hail protection in your policy to address hurricane and severe storm threats.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Laurens County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    82th percentile
  2. #2
    HurricanePrepare
    77th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    72th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Laurens County

Risk Verdict

Laurens County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 76th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Laurens County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 77th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (72th percentile), tornado (65th percentile), wildfire (49th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Earthquake risk is Laurens County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. Hurricane at the 77th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Laurens County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Laurens County residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.

Regional Context

Laurens County's composite risk score sits 5.5 points above the South Carolina county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Laurens County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Laurens County, SC?
Laurens County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 76th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Laurens County?
Laurens County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (82th percentile), hurricane (77th percentile), flooding (72th percentile), tornado (65th percentile), wildfire (49th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 82th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Laurens County risk compare to the South Carolina average?
Laurens County's composite risk percentile is 76th, compared to the South Carolina state average of 71th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Laurens County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in South Carolina.
Is Laurens County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Laurens County's earthquake risk is at the 82th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Laurens County is at the 72th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Laurens County higher risk than average?
Laurens County's composite risk score of 76th percentile is above the South Carolina state average of 71th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by earthquake exposure (82th percentile), along with hurricane and flooding and tornado risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Clarendon County

South Carolina

+0.3

Relatively Low

76th percentile

Pickens County

South Carolina

+1.4

Relatively Low

78th percentile

Chesterfield County

South Carolina

-2.2

Relatively Low

74th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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