Sumter County Disaster Risk
Sumter County, South Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
82th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#20
of 46 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
76th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sumter County, South Carolina
Sumter faces moderately elevated national disaster risks
Sumter County's composite risk score of 81.74 places it in the "Relatively Moderate" category, above the national average. The county's exposure to hurricanes, earthquakes, and flooding reflects broader regional vulnerability patterns.
Above-average risk among South Carolina counties
At 81.74, Sumter's composite risk score exceeds the state average of 70.75 by 11 points. This ranking places Sumter among the moderate-to-higher-risk counties statewide.
Riskier than Union but similar to Spartanburg
Sumter's 81.74 score sits between Union County (58.21) and Spartanburg County (90.65), reflecting its mid-range exposure among upstate counties. The county faces comparable flood and wildfire risks to other South Carolina interior counties.
Hurricanes and earthquakes top Sumter's risk list
Hurricane risk (91.91) and earthquake risk (91.09) are Sumter's most significant hazards, each scoring in the upper 90s. Wildfire risk (78.98) rounds out the top three, reflecting the county's inland yet vulnerable geography.
Sumter homeowners need layered protection strategies
Given Sumter's elevated hurricane and earthquake risks, comprehensive insurance coverage is critical—including wind/hail and earthquake policies beyond standard homeowners insurance. Flood insurance should also be considered, as the county's 76.27 flood risk remains substantial.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sumter County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sumter County
Risk Verdict
Sumter County registers a moderately elevated natural disaster risk, ranking at the 82th percentile across all U.S. counties. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Sumter County.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Sumter County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 91th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (79th percentile), flood (76th percentile), tornado (75th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Sumter County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 92th percentile nationally. Having a designated out-of-area contact, a pre-packed go-bag with medications and documents, and a confirmed evacuation route reduces decision-making load when a storm intensifies rapidly. Sumter County's earthquake exposure at the 91th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Sumter County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.
Regional Context
Sumter County falls 11.0 points above South Carolina's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Sumter County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sumter County, SC?
What types of natural hazards affect Sumter County?
How does Sumter County risk compare to the South Carolina average?
Is Sumter County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Sumter 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.