riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Craig County Disaster Risk

Craig County, Virginia

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

6th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#118

of 133 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

26th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 26% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 9% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 5% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 18% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 35% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Craig County, Virginia

Craig County sits well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 6.23, Craig County is very low risk and significantly below the national average. Its rural mountain location provides natural protection against major disaster hazards.

Among Virginia's lowest-risk areas

Craig County's score of 6.23 ranks among the state's safest communities, far below Virginia's average of 33.27. The county's geographic position in the Appalachian foothills minimizes multi-hazard exposure.

Matches other piedmont and mountain counties

Craig County's 6.23 score aligns closely with Colonial Heights (6.04) and Clarke County (6.93) across Virginia. These neighboring areas share similar inland, rural characteristics.

Hurricane and earthquake pose minimal threat

Craig County's highest risks are hurricane (34.63) and earthquake (18.32), both modest compared to state standards. Flood, tornado, and wildfire risks all remain low to negligible.

Basic homeowners insurance covers essential needs

Craig County residents can rely on standard homeowners policies without additional specialized coverage riders. Regular home maintenance and preparedness planning remain the best protective investments.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Craig County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    35th percentile
  2. #2
    FloodPrepare
    26th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    18th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Craig County

Risk Verdict

Craig County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 6th percentile nationally. A 6th percentile score positions Craig County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Craig County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 35th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 26th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (18th percentile), wildfire (9th percentile), tornado (5th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 35th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Craig County 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. Flood, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 26th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Craig County independent of hurricane season. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Craig County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.

Regional Context

Craig County falls 27.0 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 Craig County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Craig County, VA?
Craig County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 6th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Craig County?
Craig County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (35th percentile), flooding (26th percentile), earthquake (18th percentile), wildfire (9th percentile), tornado (5th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 35th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Craig County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Craig County's composite risk percentile is 6th, compared to the Virginia state average of 33th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Craig County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Virginia.
Is Craig County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Craig County's hurricane risk is at the 35th percentile nationally. This is below the national median, indicating relatively lower exposure. For flooding specifically, Craig County is at the 26th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Craig County a safe place to live?
Craig County's composite risk score of 6th percentile is below the Virginia state average of 33th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is hurricane at the 35th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Colonial Heights city

Virginia

-0.2

Very Low

6th percentile

Floyd County

Virginia

+0.4

Very Low

7th percentile

Galax city

Virginia

+0.6

Very Low

7th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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