Carroll County Disaster Risk
Carroll County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
45th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#45
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
43th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Carroll County, Virginia
Carroll faces above-average national risk
Carroll County's composite risk score of 45.13 and Relatively Low rating indicate above-average natural disaster exposure compared to U.S. counties. The county's elevated wildfire and flood risks distinguish it as more hazard-prone than many American communities.
Higher risk than most Virginia counties
Carroll County's composite score of 45.13 substantially exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, making it one of the commonwealth's higher-risk jurisdictions. The county's wildfire exposure at 55.88 ranks among the highest in Virginia, reflecting its mountain terrain and forestry.
Riskiest among nearby western counties
Carroll County's score of 45.13 significantly exceeds neighboring Buckingham County (18.96), Charlotte County (17.37), and Charles City County (9.32). Its 55.88 wildfire risk notably surpasses all regional peers, reflecting the county's higher elevation and forest coverage.
Wildfire dominates Carroll's hazard profile
Carroll County faces exceptional wildfire risk at 55.88, substantially above state and national averages, alongside notable flood exposure at 42.65. Hurricane (61.28) and earthquake (47.49) risks complement the county's concentrated wildfire vulnerability in a relatively rare high-risk profile for Virginia.
Wildfire preparation is critical priority
Residents should create and maintain defensible space around homes—clearing dead vegetation, trimming overhanging branches, and using fire-resistant landscaping materials. Supplement standard homeowners insurance with flood coverage for stream-adjacent properties, and develop a family evacuation plan given the county's elevated wildfire risk at 55.88.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Carroll County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Carroll County
Risk Verdict
At the 45th percentile nationally, Carroll County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Carroll County's favorable 45th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Carroll County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 61th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 56th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (47th percentile), flood (43th percentile), tornado (30th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Carroll County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 61th 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. Wildfire at the 56th percentile nationally is Carroll County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Carroll County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.
Regional Context
Carroll County falls 11.9 points above Virginia's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Carroll County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Carroll County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Carroll County?
How does Carroll County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Carroll County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Carroll 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.