Clarke County Disaster Risk
Clarke County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
7th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#114
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
17th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Clarke County, Virginia
Clarke County sits well below national average
With a composite risk score of 6.93, Clarke County ranks as very low risk and stands far below the national average. This favorable profile reflects its rural, piedmont location with minimal exposure to major hazards.
Among Virginia's safest communities
Clarke County's score of 6.93 represents one of the lowest in Virginia, drastically below the state average of 33.27. Only a handful of Virginia counties achieve comparable risk levels.
Comparable to other western piedmont areas
Clarke County's 6.93 score aligns closely with Craig County (6.23) and Colonial Heights (6.04) to the south and west. All three share rural, inland characteristics that minimize multi-hazard exposure.
Hurricane and earthquake risks remain modest
Clarke County's highest risks are hurricane (55.69) and earthquake (34.83), both moderate-to-low compared to state standards. Flood risk of 16.60 and tornado risk of 14.47 round out a generally low-hazard profile.
Standard coverage meets most needs here
Clarke County residents can typically rely on basic homeowners insurance without specialized flood or earthquake riders. Annual policy reviews remain prudent, particularly if property sits near streams or springs.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Clarke County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Clarke County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Clarke County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 7th percentile. Residents of Clarke County can use the 7th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Clarke County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 56th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 35th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (33th percentile), flood (17th percentile), tornado (14th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 56th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, Clarke 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. Clarke County's earthquake exposure at the 35th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For Clarke 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
Clarke County is 26.3 composite risk points below the Virginia state mean, meaning most other Virginia counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Clarke County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Clarke County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Clarke County?
How does Clarke County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Clarke County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Clarke 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.