Buchanan County Disaster Risk
Buchanan County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
51th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#35
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
70th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Buchanan County, Virginia
Buchanan faces above-average disaster risk
Buchanan County's composite risk score of 50.60 places it above the national average, earning a 'Relatively Low' rating that masks significant hazard concentration. The county experiences notably elevated flood (70.20) and wildfire (72.04) exposure due to mountainous terrain and water features. Understanding these localized threats is essential for residents.
Riskier than most Virginia counties
Buchanan's score of 50.60 substantially exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it solidly in the state's higher-risk tier. Only counties like Augusta (68.61) and Bedford (51.18) approach Buchanan's exposure level. This elevated standing reflects the county's mountain geography and water system vulnerability.
Buchanan matches Bedford's moderate-high risk
Bedford County (51.18) shares nearly identical composite risk to Buchanan, while Bath County (5.38) and Bland County (13.04) represent a vastly safer universe. Augusta County (68.61) to the east runs notably higher. Buchanan sits in a moderate-risk corridor with significant water and wildfire exposure compared to its mountain peers.
Wildfire and flood dominate your hazard profile
Wildfire risk (72.04) and flood risk (70.20) are nearly equivalent and substantially elevated, reflecting Buchanan's mountainous terrain and stream network. Earthquake (48.09) and hurricane (46.10) exposure remain moderate, while tornado risk (9.92) stays minimal. These two primary threats shape your emergency preparedness priorities.
Water and wildfire coverage are priorities
Flood insurance deserves serious consideration given your 70.20 flood risk score, particularly if you're near streams, hollers, or historical flood zones. Review your homeowners policy for adequate coverage limits and ensure it addresses wildfire damage potential (72.04 risk). Work with a local insurance professional who understands Buchanan's specific mountain hazards.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Buchanan County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Buchanan County
Risk Verdict
Buchanan County's FEMA risk score places it at the 51th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Buchanan County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 72th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (48th percentile), hurricane (46th percentile), tornado (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Buchanan County sits at the 72th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Buchanan County's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 70th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. In Buchanan County, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.
Regional Context
The Virginia county average is 17.3 composite points below Buchanan County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Buchanan County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Buchanan County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Buchanan County?
How does Buchanan County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Buchanan County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Buchanan 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.