Goochland County Disaster Risk
Goochland County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
16th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#93
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
29th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Goochland County, Virginia
Goochland County ranks among safest
With a composite risk score of 15.52, Goochland County achieves "Very Low" risk status and sits well below the national average. This inland central Virginia location provides natural protection from most major hazards.
Virginia's lowest-risk counties
Goochland County's score of 15.52 is less than half Virginia's state average of 33.27, making it one of the commonwealth's safest counties for natural disasters. Geography and distance from coast and mountains create this advantage.
Safest in the central Virginia region
Goochland County's 15.52 score beats all nearby counties including Giles County (16.57) and Grayson County (24.65), establishing it as the region's lowest-risk location. Inland piedmont geography favors disaster resilience.
Earthquakes and hurricanes top risk list
Earthquake risk (71.50) and hurricane risk (60.16) rank highest for Goochland County, though these remain moderate concerns at the county level. Flood (28.72), tornado (24.81), and wildfire (9.48) risks all remain well below state averages.
Earthquake coverage and flood awareness key
Goochland County homeowners should evaluate earthquake insurance for protection against seismic events and maintain flood insurance for properties in mapped risk zones. Standard policies exclude both hazards.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Goochland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Goochland County
Risk Verdict
Goochland County's overall natural disaster score at the 16th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Goochland County's favorable 16th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Goochland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 72th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (29th percentile), tornado (25th percentile), wildfire (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 72th percentile nationally puts Goochland County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. Alongside earthquake exposure, Goochland County's hurricane risk at the 60th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Goochland County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.
Regional Context
Goochland County's composite risk score sits 17.7 points below the Virginia county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Goochland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Goochland County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Goochland County?
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Is Goochland 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.