Montgomery County Disaster Risk
Montgomery County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
48th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#40
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
64th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Montgomery County, Virginia
Montgomery faces above-average national risk
With a composite risk score of 47.52, Montgomery County rates as Relatively Low nationally but sits above most U.S. counties in overall natural disaster exposure. Your community experiences moderate risk compared to American averages.
Higher than typical Virginia county
Montgomery's 47.52 score exceeds Virginia's average of 33.27 by 42 percent, placing it among the state's higher-risk counties. You face notably more natural disaster exposure than typical Virginia communities.
Regional risk stands notably elevated
At 47.52, Montgomery significantly outpaces nearby Nelson County (34.10) and Northumberland County (39.98), but remains lower than Northampton County (44.47) and well below Newport News (72.23). Your position reflects the Blue Ridge region's seismic and topographic exposure.
Earthquake and flood pose greatest threats
Earthquake risk reaches 73.41—Virginia's highest and among the nation's most notable inland seismic zones—while flood risk stands at 63.61. Tornado (23.70), hurricane (57.11), and wildfire (36.96) threats remain secondary but still merit attention.
Earthquake insurance is non-negotiable
Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage, but Montgomery's 73.41 seismic score makes separate coverage critical for your county. Bundle flood insurance, secure heavy furniture and appliances, and check that your home's foundation meets modern seismic building standards.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Montgomery County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Montgomery County
Risk Verdict
Montgomery County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 48th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Montgomery County residents can take confidence from a 48th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Montgomery County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 64th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (57th percentile), wildfire (37th percentile), tornado (24th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake risk is Montgomery County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. The county's flood risk at the 64th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Montgomery County residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.
Regional Context
Montgomery County's composite risk score sits 14.2 points above the Virginia county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Montgomery County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Montgomery County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Montgomery County?
How does Montgomery County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Montgomery County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Montgomery 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.