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

Danville city Disaster Risk

Danville city, Virginia

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

68th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#16

of 133 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

82th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Moderate

Higher than 82% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 14% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 62% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 64% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 77% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Danville city, Virginia

Danville faces above-average disaster risk

Danville's composite risk score of 68.03 places it in the relatively low category nationally, but this masks significant vulnerabilities in specific hazards. The city scores well above the U.S. average for flood, hurricane, and earthquake risks, indicating concentrated exposure to water and seismic events.

Among Virginia's higher-risk communities

Danville's score of 68.03 far exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, making it one of the commonwealth's more disaster-prone localities. This elevated risk reflects the city's geographic exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly flooding and hurricanes.

Danville stands out in the region

Danville's composite score of 68.03 significantly outpaces nearby Emporia city (4.99) and Dinwiddie County (19.34), both in the very low risk category. The city's vulnerability to flood (81.52) and hurricane (76.64) events is substantially higher than these adjacent areas.

Floods and hurricanes pose greatest threat

Danville residents face the highest risk from flooding, with a risk score of 81.52, and hurricane exposure at 76.64—both well above state averages. Tornado risk (61.55) and earthquake risk (64.19) also merit attention, though they pose secondary threats compared to water-related hazards.

Prioritize flood and wind insurance today

Given Danville's elevated flood risk of 81.52, flood insurance is essential—standard homeowner's policies do not cover flood damage. Ensure your home insurance includes strong wind and hurricane coverage, and review your policy annually to keep pace with your property's exposure.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Danville city

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    FloodPrepare
    82th percentile
  2. #2
    HurricanePrepare
    77th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    64th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Danville city

Risk Verdict

Danville city has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 68th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Danville city benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.

Hazard Breakdown

Flood risk is Danville city's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 77th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (64th percentile), tornado (62th percentile), wildfire (14th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Danville city's top natural hazard is flood risk, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally. Homeowners here should confirm whether they are in a FEMA-designated flood zone and check if standard homeowners insurance covers flood damage — it typically does not. Hurricane, which ranks at the 77th percentile nationally for Danville city, represents an additional preparedness dimension beyond the primary flood threat. For most Danville city households, the highest-return preparedness step is storing critical documents in digital cloud backup combined with a pre-designated family meeting point if communication is disrupted.

Regional Context

Danville city's composite risk score sits 34.8 points above the Virginia county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Danville city'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 Danville city, VA?
Danville city has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 68th 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 Danville city?
Danville city is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: flooding (82th percentile), hurricane (77th percentile), earthquake (64th percentile), tornado (62th percentile), wildfire (14th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is flooding at the 82th 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 Danville city risk compare to the Virginia average?
Danville city's composite risk percentile is 68th, compared to the Virginia state average of 33th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Danville city faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Virginia.
Is Danville city at risk for flooding?
Yes, Danville city's flooding risk is at the 82th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type.
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.
Why is Danville city higher risk than average?
Danville city's composite risk score of 68th percentile is above the Virginia state average of 33th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by flooding exposure (82th percentile), along with hurricane and earthquake and tornado risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
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.