Franklin County Disaster Risk
Franklin County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
43th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#49
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
62th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% 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 55% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Franklin County, Virginia
Franklin County faces above-average risk
Franklin County's composite risk score of 42.72 exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it in the very low-to-relatively-low range nationally. The county's exposure to floods (62.15), hurricanes (69.21), and earthquakes (55.15) drives this elevated profile.
Franklin County ranks above state average
At 42.72 compared to Virginia's 33.27 average, Franklin County sits in the higher-risk half of the state's jurisdiction rankings. The county's geographic position in Virginia's foothills contributes to its above-average hazard exposure.
Franklin County exceeds most nearby areas
Franklin County's 42.72 score tops neighboring Floyd (6.62) and Fluvanna (13.49), though Fauquier (47.68) and Frederick (44.72) exceed it slightly. The county faces notably higher risks than the rural counties to its west.
Floods and hurricanes create compound threats
Flood risk (62.15) and hurricane risk (69.21) are Franklin County's dominant hazards, with the latter being particularly significant for an inland county, indicating exposure to tropical moisture and heavy rainfall events. Wildfire risk (38.14) and earthquake risk (55.15) present secondary concerns.
Prioritize flood and hurricane insurance
Franklin County residents should obtain separate flood insurance—excluded from standard policies—given the county's 62.15 flood score. Hurricane coverage verification and potential earthquake insurance should also be reviewed to address the county's multi-hazard exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Franklin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Franklin County
Risk Verdict
At the 43th percentile nationally, Franklin County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Being ranked at the 43th percentile nationally is an advantage for Franklin County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Franklin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 69th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 62th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (55th percentile), wildfire (38th percentile), tornado (18th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Franklin County ranks at the 69th percentile nationally for hurricane risk. For coastal counties, wind-resistant shutters or impact-rated windows represent the highest single structural investment for reducing property damage. Franklin County's flood exposure at the 62th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For extended post-storm outages common in Franklin County's hurricane zone, a portable generator (operated outdoors only) and a supply of non-perishable food for at least seven days provides meaningful household resilience.
Regional Context
Compared to other Virginia counties, Franklin County runs 9.4 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Franklin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Franklin County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Franklin County?
How does Franklin County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Franklin County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Franklin County higher risk than average?
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.