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

Gloucester County Disaster Risk

Gloucester County, Virginia

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

23th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#72

of 133 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

67th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 67% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 45% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 30% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 43% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 76% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Gloucester County, Virginia

Gloucester County faces low disaster risk

Gloucester County's composite risk score of 22.61 places it in the "Very Low" category but notably higher than inland Virginia counties. This reflects its coastal location in the Mid-Atlantic, which elevates hurricane and flood exposure.

Below Virginia's average risk profile

At 22.61, Gloucester County scores well below Virginia's state average of 33.27, ranking among the lower-risk counties statewide. However, coastal geography distinguishes it from purely inland counties.

Higher risk than inland neighbors

Gloucester County's score of 22.61 exceeds inland neighbors like Goochland County (15.52) but mirrors the elevated coastal exposure seen across Virginia's Peninsula region. Proximity to the Atlantic creates unique hazard patterns.

Hurricanes and floods dominate coastal threats

Hurricane risk (75.76) and flood risk (66.60) tower over all other hazards in Gloucester County, reflecting its waterfront location on the York River and Chesapeake Bay approaches. Tornado risk (29.87) and wildfire risk (45.20) remain secondary concerns.

Hurricane and flood insurance essential

Gloucester County residents should prioritize flood insurance, especially those within mapped floodplains or near tidal areas vulnerable to storm surge. Homeowners should also reinforce roofs and windows against hurricane-force winds.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Gloucester County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    76th percentile
  2. #2
    FloodPrepare
    67th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    45th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Gloucester County

Risk Verdict

Gloucester County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 23th percentile nationally. Even at the 23th percentile, Gloucester County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Gloucester County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 76th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 67th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (45th percentile), earthquake (43th percentile), tornado (30th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 76th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Gloucester County households benefit from reviewing both homeowners and flood insurance coverage before storm season begins — standard policies often exclude storm surge, which is the leading cause of hurricane fatalities. Gloucester County's flood exposure at the 67th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Gloucester County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.

Regional Context

Gloucester County falls 10.7 points below Virginia's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.

Is your household prepared for Gloucester County'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 Gloucester County, VA?
Gloucester County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 23th 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 Gloucester County?
Gloucester County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (76th percentile), flooding (67th percentile), wildfire (45th percentile), earthquake (43th percentile), tornado (30th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 76th 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 Gloucester County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Gloucester County's composite risk percentile is 23th, compared to the Virginia state average of 33th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Gloucester County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Virginia.
Is Gloucester County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Gloucester County's hurricane risk is at the 76th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Gloucester County is at the 67th percentile.
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.
Is Gloucester County a safe place to live?
Gloucester County's composite risk score of 23th percentile is below the Virginia state average of 33th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is hurricane at the 76th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Middlesex County

Virginia

+1.2

Very Low

24th percentile

Powhatan County

Virginia

-1.5

Very Low

21th percentile

Amherst County

Virginia

-1.6

Very Low

21th percentile

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.

Explore more data for Gloucester County

Property TaxCost of LivingCrime RateIncomeHealthSchoolsWater QualityWeatherCounty Score