Charlottesville city Disaster Risk
Charlottesville city, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
24th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#70
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
33th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Charlottesville city, Virginia
Charlottesville's risk approaches national norm
Charlottesville city's composite risk score of 24.33 and Very Low rating sit slightly below the national average, reflecting moderate natural disaster exposure typical of many American cities. The city's hazard profile mixes low wildfire risk with elevated earthquake and hurricane concerns.
Slightly below Virginia's average risk
Charlottesville city's composite score of 24.33 falls modestly below Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it among the commonwealth's lower-risk jurisdictions. The city benefits from topography and climate that moderate most hazard exposures relative to state peers.
More exposed than western peer counties
Charlottesville city's risk score of 24.33 exceeds nearby Buckingham County (18.96), Charlotte County (17.37), and Charles City County (9.32) but trails Campbell County (32.00). Its exceptionally low wildfire risk at 0.32 stands apart, distinguishing it among the safest communities for this particular hazard.
Earthquake and hurricane dominate exposure
Charlottesville city faces its highest hazard exposure through earthquakes at 70.87 and hurricanes at 69.46, with flooding at 33.27 representing a secondary concern. Tornado risk at 24.30 remains moderate, while the city benefits from exceptionally low wildfire risk at just 0.32.
Earthquake coverage and storm prep matter most
Homeowners should consider supplemental earthquake insurance given the city's 70.87 earthquake score, and prepare for hurricanes through roof inspections and tree management. Obtain flood insurance for properties in flood zones, and maintain standard homeowners coverage to address tornado and wind risks.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Charlottesville city
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Charlottesville city
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Charlottesville city is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 24th percentile. No county at the 24th percentile is entirely free of natural hazard exposure; Charlottesville city residents benefit from staying alert to local conditions and signing up for county emergency alerts.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Charlottesville city's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 71th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 69th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (33th percentile), tornado (24th percentile), wildfire (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 71th percentile nationally for earthquake risk, Charlottesville city is in a zone where a post-earthquake communications plan matters almost as much as pre-earthquake structural preparation — phone networks are typically congested for hours after a significant event. Charlottesville city's secondary hurricane exposure at the 69th percentile nationally means households should maintain a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing exclusively on earthquake readiness. For Charlottesville city households, the three highest-impact earthquake preparedness actions are: (1) anchor heavy furniture and water heaters, (2) store three days of water at one gallon per person per day, and (3) identify a family reunification plan for the post-quake communication blackout period.
Regional Context
Charlottesville city is 8.9 composite risk points below the Virginia state mean, meaning most other Virginia counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Charlottesville city's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.