Bedford County Disaster Risk
Bedford County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
51th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#34
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
68th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Bedford County, Virginia
Bedford faces moderate-to-elevated disaster risk
Bedford County's composite risk score of 51.18 places it above the national average, though it earns a 'Relatively Low' overall rating. This moderate-elevation score reflects significant exposure to floods (68.26), hurricanes (73.01), and wildfires (66.63). The county sits in a sweet spot between low-risk mountain regions and high-risk coastal areas, but shouldn't be mistaken for truly safe ground.
Riskier than average Virginia county
Bedford's score of 51.18 substantially exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it in the upper tier of state risk rankings. This means Bedford residents face hazard exposure comparable to or higher than most Virginians. The county's central location and varied terrain create a complex disaster risk profile.
Bedford's risks echo nearby Buchanan County
Buchanan County (50.60) shares nearly identical composite risk to Bedford, while Augusta County (68.61) to the north runs substantially higher. Bath County (5.38) and Bland County (13.04) represent a different risk universe entirely. Bedford sits in a moderate-risk corridor with notable flood and wildfire exposure compared to its mountain neighbors.
Flooding and hurricanes are primary concerns
Flood risk at 68.26 and hurricane risk at 73.01 represent Bedford's dominant hazards, with wildfire (66.63) also significant due to the county's mixed terrain. Earthquake risk (60.18) rounds out a respectable threat profile. These aren't rare events: Bedford's history includes notable flood damage during hurricane remnants and spring runoff events.
Comprehensive coverage protects your investment
Flood insurance deserves serious consideration given your 68.26 flood risk score, especially if you're near streams, rivers, or low-lying areas. Homeowners insurance should include adequate coverage limits, and consider umbrella liability protection given wildfire exposure (66.63). Work with a local agent familiar with Bedford's specific hazards and your property's individual risk factors.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Bedford County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Bedford County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Bedford County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 51th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Bedford County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Bedford County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 68th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (67th percentile), earthquake (60th percentile), tornado (25th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane exposure at the 73th percentile nationally makes Bedford County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Bedford County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Bedford County's flood exposure at the 68th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Bedford County residents benefit from registering with the county's special-needs evacuation registry if household members have mobility limitations, require electricity-dependent medical equipment, or cannot self-evacuate — registration in advance of storm season is required.
Regional Context
Bedford County is 17.9 composite risk points above the Virginia average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Bedford County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Bedford County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Bedford County?
How does Bedford County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Bedford County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Bedford 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.