Dickenson County Disaster Risk
Dickenson County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
18th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#84
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
38th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Dickenson County, Virginia
Dickenson County is exceptionally safe
Dickenson's composite risk score of 17.94 ranks in the very low category, well below the national average and indicating minimal overall disaster vulnerability. However, the county does face one notable exception: wildfire risk of 83.27, which represents a concentrated threat requiring targeted preparedness.
Among Virginia's safest communities
Dickenson's score of 17.94 is less than half the Virginia state average of 33.27, placing it in the lower tier of risk statewide. The county's low exposure across most hazard categories makes it one of the commonwealth's more resilient areas overall.
Wildfire risk sets Dickenson apart
Dickenson's composite score of 17.94 aligns with nearby Dinwiddie County (19.34), but its wildfire risk of 83.27 far exceeds that county's 21.88. This elevated wildfire exposure reflects Dickenson's forested terrain and mountain location in southwestern Virginia.
Wildfire dominates Dickenson's risk profile
Wildfire risk of 83.27 is Dickenson's primary natural disaster threat, dwarfing all other hazards in the county. Tornado risk (8.43) and earthquake risk (35.97) present minimal concerns, while flood and hurricane risks remain low at 37.56 and 42.05 respectively.
Prepare now for wildfire season
Dickenson residents should focus on defensible space around homes—clearing dead vegetation and maintaining 30+ feet of cleared brush from structures. Work with local fire departments on evacuation planning and ensure you have a go-bag ready during high-fire-danger months.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Dickenson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Dickenson County
Risk Verdict
Dickenson County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 18th percentile nationally. The 18th percentile national ranking is one lens; Dickenson County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Dickenson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 42th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (38th percentile), earthquake (36th percentile), tornado (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Dickenson County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 83th percentile nationally. Dickenson County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. Alongside wildfire, hurricane at the 42th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. For Dickenson County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
The Virginia county average exceeds Dickenson County's score by 15.3 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Dickenson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Dickenson County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Dickenson County?
How does Dickenson County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Dickenson County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Dickenson 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.