Fredericksburg city Disaster Risk
Fredericksburg city, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
9th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#109
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
21th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 2% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Fredericksburg city, Virginia
Fredericksburg city enjoys very low risk
Fredericksburg city's composite risk score of 8.71 sits well below Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it in the very low category nationally. The compact urban setting and inland position minimize exposure to most major natural hazards.
Fredericksburg ranks among Virginia's safest
With a composite score of 8.71 compared to Virginia's 33.27 average, Fredericksburg city ranks as one of the state's lowest-risk communities. The city's modest population density and geographic position provide substantial hazard protection.
Fredericksburg matches Franklin city's safety
Fredericksburg city's 8.71 score closely aligns with Franklin city (7.54) and far exceeds nearby Fauquier (47.68) and Frederick counties (44.72). The two cities share similar low-risk profiles despite their geographic separation.
Earthquake and hurricane pose modest concerns
Fredericksburg's highest risks are earthquake (57.47) and hurricane (57.86)—both elevated despite the city's low composite score. Flood risk (20.58) and tornado risk (21.02) remain moderate, while wildfire risk (1.75) is negligible in this urban setting.
Standard coverage handles most scenarios
Fredericksburg residents' primary concern should be the moderate earthquake and hurricane risks, suggesting consideration of supplemental coverage for these hazards. Flood insurance is optional given the city's 20.58 score, though properties near the Rappahannock River should verify their specific flood zone status.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Fredericksburg city
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Fredericksburg city
Risk Verdict
Fredericksburg city carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 9th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Fredericksburg city's lower-than-average risk profile at the 9th percentile makes it a more manageable preparedness environment, but a reviewed household plan remains the right foundation regardless.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Fredericksburg city's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 58th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 57th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (21th percentile), flood (21th percentile), wildfire (2th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Fredericksburg city's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 58th 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. The county's secondary earthquake risk at the 57th percentile nationally means Fredericksburg city faces compounding hazards — inland flooding often follows landfalling hurricanes even well away from the coast. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Fredericksburg city 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, Fredericksburg city's composite score runs 24.6 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Fredericksburg city's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.