Spartanburg County Disaster Risk
Spartanburg County, South Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
91th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#10
of 46 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
93th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 81% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Spartanburg County, South Carolina
Spartanburg faces above-average disaster risks nationally
With a composite risk score of 90.65 and a "Relatively Moderate" rating, Spartanburg County ranks above the national average for natural disaster exposure. The county's hazard profile reflects significant flood, tornado, and earthquake vulnerabilities.
Among South Carolina's highest-risk counties
Spartanburg's 90.65 score places it well above the state average of 70.75, making it one of the more hazard-exposed counties in South Carolina. Only a handful of South Carolina counties face comparable disaster risks.
Riskier than Union County, safer than York
Spartanburg's 90.65 risk score exceeds neighboring Union County (58.21) by 32 points, yet sits slightly below York County (88.68). The county faces notably higher tornado and flood risks than most upstate peers.
Floods and tornadoes dominate Spartanburg's hazard picture
Flood risk (92.72) and earthquake risk (91.63) are Spartanburg's top two hazards, followed closely by tornado risk (88.07). Together, these three hazards account for the county's elevated overall risk profile.
Comprehensive coverage essential for Spartanburg homes
Spartanburg residents should prioritize flood insurance, as the county's 92.72 flood risk score is among the highest in the state. Earthquake coverage and a solid homeowners policy form a complete protection strategy for the county's multi-hazard environment.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Spartanburg County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Spartanburg County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Spartanburg County at the 91th 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
Flood risk is Spartanburg County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 92th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (88th percentile), hurricane (81th percentile), wildfire (59th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Spartanburg County's top hazard at the 93th percentile nationally. Households in or near designated flood zones face elevated financial exposure; flood insurance typically requires a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so applying before the season is advisable. Secondary earthquake exposure at the 92th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Households across Spartanburg County should identify the nearest community shelter and keep a basic emergency kit — water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, and battery radio — in a location easy to grab quickly.
Regional Context
Spartanburg County is 19.9 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 Spartanburg County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Spartanburg County, SC?
What types of natural hazards affect Spartanburg County?
How does Spartanburg County risk compare to the South Carolina average?
Is Spartanburg County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Spartanburg 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.