Cumberland County Disaster Risk
Cumberland County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
20th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#78
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 8% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cumberland County, Virginia
Cumberland ranks below national average risk
With a composite risk score of 19.72, Cumberland County is very low risk and well below the national average. The county's inland piedmont location protects it from major coastal and seismic hazards.
Below-average risk for Virginia communities
Cumberland's score of 19.72 falls well below Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it among the state's safer jurisdictions. The county's rural character and distance from coastal areas contribute to this favorable profile.
Safer than Culpeper, comparable to western areas
Cumberland's 19.72 score is significantly lower than Culpeper County (46.25) but slightly higher than Craig County (6.23) and Clarke County (6.93). The county sits in the lower range of Virginia's risk distribution.
Hurricane and earthquake present modest risks
Cumberland's highest risks are hurricane (72.88) and earthquake (60.53), both elevated compared to flood (16.51) and tornado (17.56) risks. The county's relative safety reflects its inland distance from coastal hazards.
Standard homeowners coverage generally adequate
Cumberland residents can typically rely on basic homeowners insurance, though those near waterways should evaluate flood coverage options. Periodic home maintenance and emergency preparedness provide solid protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cumberland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cumberland County
Risk Verdict
Cumberland County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 20th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. At the 20th percentile nationally, Cumberland County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Cumberland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 61th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (18th percentile), flood (17th percentile), wildfire (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Cumberland County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 73th 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. Cumberland County's earthquake exposure at the 61th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Cumberland County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.
Regional Context
Compared to the Virginia county average, Cumberland County's composite score runs 13.5 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Cumberland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cumberland County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Cumberland County?
How does Cumberland County risk compare to the Virginia average?
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Is Cumberland 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.