Highland County Disaster Risk
Highland County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
3th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#129
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
12th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Highland County, Virginia
Highland County Enjoys Exceptional Safety
With a composite risk score of just 2.51, Highland County represents one of the lowest-risk areas in the entire nation. This exceptional score reflects the county's mountain geography and low population density.
Virginia's Safest County by Far
Highland's 2.51 score is less than 8 percent of Virginia's state average of 33.27, making it dramatically safer than every other Virginia county examined. The county's elevation and isolation provide natural protection against multiple hazards.
Safest County in Its Region
Highland County (2.51) offers far superior safety compared to Harrisonburg (26.59) and Henry County (63.61) elsewhere in the state. Its remote mountain location sets it apart as Virginia's premier low-risk destination.
Even Your Lowest Risks Are Minimal
Hurricane exposure at 42.30 ranks as Highland's highest threat, though this remains low in absolute terms given the county's mountain elevation and distance from the coast. All other hazards—earthquakes (13.49), wildfire (13.33), and tornadoes (3.09)—present negligible risk.
Standard Coverage Sufficient for Highland
Your existing homeowners insurance likely provides adequate protection in Highland County, as special flood or earthquake coverage is rarely necessary. Focus on maintaining solid standard coverage rather than pursuing specialized policies.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Highland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Highland County
Risk Verdict
Highland County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 3th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. The 3th percentile national ranking is one lens; Highland County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Highland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 42th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 13th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (13th percentile), flood (12th percentile), tornado (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Highland County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 42th 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. Highland County's earthquake exposure at the 13th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Highland County 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, Highland County's composite score runs 30.8 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Highland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Highland County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Highland County?
How does Highland County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Highland County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Highland 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.