Henry County Disaster Risk
Henry County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
64th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#20
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
77th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Henry County, Virginia
Henry County Risk Exceeds National Baseline
At 63.61, Henry County's composite risk score ranks as relatively low but sits significantly above the national average. The county faces material hazard exposure that requires homeowner awareness and preparation.
Well Above Average for Virginia
Henry County's 63.61 nearly doubles Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it in the upper range of risk statewide. Only Henrico County exceeds Henry's overall hazard exposure.
Riskier Than Most Regional Peers
Henry County (63.61) faces notably higher exposure than Harrisonburg (26.59) to the west and Hopewell (17.24) to the east. It trails only Henrico (83.40) among Virginia's examined counties.
Floods and Hurricanes Dominate Your Threats
Flood risk ranks highest at 76.56, driven by the county's position in the Piedmont region with multiple river systems. Hurricane exposure reaches 74.89 due to Atlantic proximity, while earthquake risk (67.94) presents an underestimated secondary threat.
Flood and Earthquake Insurance Essential
Obtain flood insurance immediately—this county's 76.56 flood score makes it a critical gap in standard coverage. Add earthquake protection as well, as many Henry County residents underestimate this risk despite the county's 67.94 score.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Henry County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Henry County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Henry County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 64th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Henry County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Henry County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 77th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 74th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (68th percentile), tornado (44th percentile), wildfire (22th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Henry County's top hazard at the 77th percentile nationally. Households in or near designated flood zones face elevated financial exposure; flood insurance typically requires a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so applying before the season is advisable. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 74th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Households across Henry County should identify the nearest community shelter and keep a basic emergency kit — water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, and battery radio — in a location easy to grab quickly.
Regional Context
Henry County is 30.3 composite risk points above the Virginia average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Henry County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Henry County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Henry County?
How does Henry County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Henry County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Henry 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.