Brunswick County Disaster Risk
Brunswick County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
28th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#66
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
29th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Brunswick County, Virginia
Brunswick faces moderate, manageable disaster risk
Brunswick County's composite risk score of 28.12 sits just below the national average, earning a 'Very Low' rating despite moderate exposure to specific hazards. The county's inland southern location protects it from the worst hurricane impacts while presenting modest flood (28.79) and tornado (23.03) exposure. Overall risk remains well-controlled and manageable.
Near Virginia's average but slightly safer
Brunswick's score of 28.12 is marginally below Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it in the state's safer half but not among the lowest-risk counties. This positioning reflects balanced, moderate exposure across most hazard categories. Brunswick represents a typical or slightly above-average Virginia safety profile.
Brunswick enjoys regional low-risk advantage
Bath County (5.38), Bland County (13.04), and Botetourt County (18.10) rank substantially safer, while Augusta County (68.61) and Bedford County (51.18) present significantly higher exposure. Brunswick's score places it in the comfortable middle of Virginia's regional risk spectrum. You're positioned better than many state neighbors, though not in the safest tier.
Hurricane exposure stands above other threats
Brunswick's highest risk category—hurricane at 79.89—reflects the county's southeastern position and vulnerability to tropical remnants, despite being inland. Flood (28.79) and tornado (23.03) risks remain moderate, while earthquake (44.12) and wildfire (21.50) exposure stay reasonable. Hurricane preparedness deserves priority attention here.
Consider wind and flood protection thoughtfully
Given your 79.89 hurricane risk score, ensure your homeowners policy includes adequate wind coverage and review deductible amounts before storm season. Flood insurance merits consideration if you're in a mapped floodplain or near drainage areas prone to tropical system rainfall. Work with a local agent to align coverage with Brunswick's specific threat profile.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Brunswick County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Brunswick County
Risk Verdict
At the 28th percentile nationally, Brunswick County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. A 28th percentile score positions Brunswick County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Brunswick County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 80th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 44th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (29th percentile), tornado (23th percentile), wildfire (22th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Brunswick County ranks at the 80th percentile nationally for hurricane risk. For coastal counties, wind-resistant shutters or impact-rated windows represent the highest single structural investment for reducing property damage. Brunswick County's earthquake exposure at the 44th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For extended post-storm outages common in Brunswick County's hurricane zone, a portable generator (operated outdoors only) and a supply of non-perishable food for at least seven days provides meaningful household resilience.
Regional Context
A composite score 5.2 points below the Virginia state average puts Brunswick County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Brunswick County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Brunswick County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Brunswick County?
How does Brunswick County risk compare to the Virginia average?
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Is Brunswick 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.