Buckingham County Disaster Risk
Buckingham County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
19th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#80
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
25th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% 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 63% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Buckingham County, Virginia
Buckingham sits well below national risk
With a composite risk score of 18.96 and a Very Low rating, Buckingham County faces significantly less natural disaster risk than the average U.S. county. The county's exposure to major hazards—from flooding to tornadoes—remains below the national mean across nearly every category.
One of Virginia's safer counties
Buckingham's composite score of 18.96 ranks it well below Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it among the commonwealth's lower-risk jurisdictions. The county benefits from relatively modest exposure to the hazards that most threaten Virginia residents.
Safer than most surrounding counties
Buckingham's risk profile is notably more favorable than neighboring Campbell County (32.00) and Caroline County (20.71), though it faces similar hurricane and earthquake exposures. Among its peer group, Buckingham remains one of the more protected areas in central Virginia.
Hurricane and earthquake exposure tops list
While Buckingham's overall risk is very low, hurricane exposure ranks highest at 75.47, followed by earthquake risk at 62.95. Flooding and tornado risks are moderate, at 24.84 and 22.61 respectively, with wildfire presenting minimal concern at 20.74.
Standard coverage fits Buckingham well
Homeowners should prioritize flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, especially in areas near waterways. Consider earthquake coverage as a supplemental policy, and maintain standard homeowners insurance to protect against the moderate tornado and wind risks that do exist in the county.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Buckingham County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Buckingham County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Buckingham County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 19th percentile. At the 19th percentile nationally, Buckingham County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Buckingham County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 75th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (25th percentile), tornado (23th percentile), wildfire (21th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 75th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, Buckingham County is in a zone where flood insurance matters beyond the primary wind risk: NFIP flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period before taking effect, making off-season enrollment the correct timing. Earthquake at the 63th percentile nationally is Buckingham County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. For Buckingham County households, the hurricane preparedness calendar matters: flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, wind-hardening retrofits take weeks to schedule, and evacuation route scouting is best done before a storm watch is issued.
Regional Context
Buckingham County is 14.3 composite risk points below the Virginia state mean, meaning most other Virginia counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Buckingham County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Buckingham County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Buckingham County?
How does Buckingham County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Buckingham County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Buckingham 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.