Colonial Heights city Disaster Risk
Colonial Heights city, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
6th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#119
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
43th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 2% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Colonial Heights city, Virginia
Colonial Heights ranks among safest places
With a composite risk score of 6.04, Colonial Heights is very low risk and substantially below the national average. This protective profile reflects the city's inland piedmont location with limited multi-hazard exposure.
Among the lowest-risk communities in Virginia
Colonial Heights' score of 6.04 ranks it among Virginia's safest jurisdictions, well below the state average of 33.27. Few Virginia communities achieve comparable risk reduction.
Similar risk profile to nearby inland areas
Colonial Heights' 6.04 score closely mirrors Craig County (6.23) and Clarke County (6.93) in the piedmont region. All three share quiet, inland characteristics that naturally minimize disaster risk.
Minor hurricane and earthquake exposure only
Colonial Heights' highest risks are hurricane (58.99) and earthquake (41.13), both low compared to state averages. Flood and tornado risks remain negligible at 43.00 and 21.63 respectively.
Basic homeowners insurance typically suffices
Colonial Heights residents can generally rely on standard homeowners coverage without expensive flood or earthquake additions. Maintain regular home maintenance and a basic emergency kit as sensible precautions.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Colonial Heights city
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Colonial Heights city
Risk Verdict
Colonial Heights city sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 6th percentile nationally. Colonial Heights city's lower-than-average risk profile at the 6th percentile makes it a more manageable preparedness environment, but a reviewed household plan remains the right foundation regardless.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Colonial Heights city's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 59th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 43th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (41th percentile), tornado (22th percentile), wildfire (2th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 59th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Colonial Heights city households benefit from reviewing both homeowners and flood insurance coverage before storm season begins — standard policies often exclude storm surge, which is the leading cause of hurricane fatalities. The county's secondary flood risk at the 43th percentile nationally means Colonial Heights city faces compounding hazards — inland flooding often follows landfalling hurricanes even well away from the coast. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Colonial Heights city households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.
Regional Context
Colonial Heights city falls 27.2 points below Virginia's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Colonial Heights city's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Colonial Heights city, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Colonial Heights city?
How does Colonial Heights city risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Colonial Heights city at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Colonial Heights city 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.