York County Disaster Risk
York County, South Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
89th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#12
of 46 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
90th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in York County, South Carolina
York faces above-average natural disaster risks
York County's composite risk score of 88.68 places it in the "Relatively Moderate" category, above the national average for disaster exposure. The county's vulnerability spans multiple hazard types, from tornadoes to floods.
Among South Carolina's highest-risk counties
York's 88.68 score ranks 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 counties statewide face comparably elevated disaster risks.
Riskier than Union, comparable to Spartanburg
York's 88.68 risk score exceeds Union County (58.21) by 30 points while matching the elevated risk profile of neighboring Spartanburg County (90.65). The county's upstate location and terrain expose it to significant tornado and flood hazards.
Tornadoes and floods top York's hazard list
Tornado risk (96.91) is York's most significant hazard—the highest among these six counties—followed by flood risk (90.17) and earthquake risk (85.18). Together, these three hazards create a multi-faceted vulnerability picture for county residents.
York homeowners need multi-hazard insurance strategy
Given York's exceptionally high tornado risk (96.91), robust wind/hail coverage is non-negotiable; flood insurance is equally essential given the county's 90.17 flood risk. Earthquake coverage should round out comprehensive protection for York residents facing the state's most active tornado environment.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in York County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: York County
Risk Verdict
At the 89th percentile nationally, York County sits in the upper half of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for York County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is York County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 90th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (85th percentile), hurricane (76th percentile), wildfire (64th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 97th percentile nationally makes York County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 90th percentile nationally means York County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. In York County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
The South Carolina county average is 17.9 composite points below York County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for York County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in York County, SC?
What types of natural hazards affect York County?
How does York County risk compare to the South Carolina average?
Is York County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is York 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.