Bland County Disaster Risk
Bland County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
13th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#98
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
30th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Bland County, Virginia
Bland County enjoys rare natural disaster protection
Bland County's composite risk score of 13.04 ranks among America's safest from natural disasters, earning a 'Very Low' rating that is dramatically below the national average. This exceptional standing reflects the county's mountainous terrain, distance from hurricane corridors, and low seismic activity. Few counties nationwide match Bland's combination of protections.
Second-safest county in Virginia
Bland's score of 13.04 represents less than 40% of Virginia's state average of 33.27, ranking it among the state's most resilient communities. Only Bath County (5.38) scores lower in Virginia. This distinction means significantly lower disaster-related property damage rates and insurance costs than most state residents experience.
Bland anchors Virginia's safest zone
Neighboring Bath County (5.38) and Botetourt County (18.10) share similarly low risk profiles, creating a haven for hazard-averse residents in southwestern Virginia. Augusta County (68.61) to the east represents a stark contrast, while Buchanan County (50.60) to the southwest shows measurably higher exposure. Bland's protected pocket is genuinely distinctive.
Flood risk barely exceeds all other threats
Even Bland's highest hazard—flood risk at 29.52—remains comfortably below state average, with wildfire (6.36) and tornado (4.99) risks nearly negligible. Earthquake (27.51) and hurricane (33.58) exposure round out an exceptionally favorable profile. This is one of Virginia's most benign natural disaster environments.
Basic homeowners insurance covers your needs
Bland County's exceptionally low risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically suffices without costly specialized riders or flood coverage. That said, verify your policy limits reflect current replacement costs, and ensure adequate coverage for personal property. Even in low-risk areas, a solid insurance foundation protects against life's uncertainties.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Bland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Bland County
Risk Verdict
Bland County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 13th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Bland County residents can take confidence from a 13th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Bland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 34th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 30th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (28th percentile), wildfire (6th percentile), tornado (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Bland County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 34th 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. Flood, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 30th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Bland County independent of hurricane season. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Bland County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.
Regional Context
Compared to the Virginia county average, Bland County's composite score runs 20.2 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Bland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Bland County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Bland County?
How does Bland County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Bland County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Bland County a safe place to live?
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.