Mathews County Disaster Risk
Mathews County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
12th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#100
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
80th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Mathews County, Virginia
Mathews has very low composite risk score
With a composite risk score of 12.18 and a Very Low rating, Mathews County ranks well below the national average for natural disaster risk. The county's score is substantially lower than Virginia's state average of 33.27, though its coastal location introduces specific hazards.
Low-risk Virginia coastal community
Mathews County ranks in Virginia's safer tier overall despite its geographic location on the eastern shore. The county's Very Low rating reflects a favorable mix of hazard exposures for its geographic position.
Safer than many inland Virginia counties
Mathews's risk score of 12.18 is lower than Lunenburg County (19.85) and far lower than Mecklenburg County (54.33) and Lynchburg city (49.30). The county benefits from relatively moderate exposure to hurricanes and tornadoes despite its coastal setting.
Flood dominates Mathews coastal profile
Flood risk at 80.00 is exceptionally high for Mathews County, reflecting its waterfront location and vulnerability to storm surge and tidal flooding. Wildfire risk (40.14) and hurricane risk (70.59) are also elevated relative to inland counties, making water-related hazards the primary concern.
Flood insurance critical for coastal location
Mathews County residents must prioritize flood insurance given the county's exceptional flood risk score of 80.00, well above state averages. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage, making National Flood Insurance Program coverage or private flood insurance essential for all properties, especially those in coastal areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Mathews County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Mathews County
Risk Verdict
Mathews County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 12th percentile nationally. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Mathews County's favorable 12th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Mathews County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 80th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 71th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (40th percentile), earthquake (33th percentile), tornado (17th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 80th percentile nationally, Mathews County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. The county's second-ranked hazard, hurricane at the 71th percentile nationally, means Mathews County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Registering for Mathews County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
Mathews County falls 21.1 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 Mathews County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Mathews County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Mathews County?
How does Mathews County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Mathews County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Mathews 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.