Alleghany County Disaster Risk
Alleghany County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
38th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#52
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
56th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Alleghany County, Virginia
Alleghany's risk is below Virginia average
Alleghany County's composite risk score of 38.07 rates as very low and exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27 by just under 5 points. The county's mountain location provides natural protection from hurricane and coastal flood impacts.
Western mountains offer relative safety
Alleghany ranks among Virginia's lower-risk counties, benefiting from its location in the Appalachian highlands away from coastal hazards. The county's 38.07 score places it comfortably below statewide median risk.
Comparable risk to nearby mountain counties
Alleghany's 38.07 score is slightly elevated relative to more rural piedmont counties like Amelia (11.96) and Appomattox (5.09), but reflects its western mountain terrain. Flood risk (56.33) is its most notable concern compared to lower-elevation neighbors.
Flooding and hurricanes present top hazards
Alleghany's flood risk (56.33) and hurricane risk (54.90) represent the county's primary concerns, though both remain moderate in absolute terms. Tornado risk (9.38) and wildfire risk (18.07) are comparatively low for the region.
Monitor stream levels and maintain coverage
Ensure homeowners insurance includes flood coverage for properties near streams and tributaries common in mountain terrain. Keep gutters and drainage systems clear to manage precipitation runoff.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Alleghany County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Alleghany County
Risk Verdict
Alleghany County's overall natural disaster score at the 38th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. A 38th percentile score positions Alleghany County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Alleghany County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 56th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 55th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (34th percentile), wildfire (18th percentile), tornado (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Alleghany County's top hazard at the 56th 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 hurricane exposure at the 55th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Households across Alleghany 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
Alleghany County's risk score is broadly comparable to the Virginia county average, with a 4.8-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Alleghany County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Alleghany County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Alleghany County?
How does Alleghany County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Alleghany County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Alleghany 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.