Northampton County Disaster Risk
Northampton County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
44th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#48
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
57th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Northampton County, Virginia
Northampton carries above-average national risk
With a composite risk score of 44.47, Northampton County rates as Relatively Low nationally but exceeds most U.S. counties in overall natural disaster exposure. Your county experiences meaningfully elevated hazard levels compared to American averages.
Above average for Virginia overall
At 44.47, Northampton's score tops Virginia's state average of 33.27 by about 33 percent, placing it in the state's higher-risk tier. You face considerably more natural disaster exposure than typical Virginia communities.
Elevated risk among rural Virginia counties
Northampton (44.47) ranks third-highest among these eight counties, exceeding Nelson (34.10) and Northumberland (39.98) but trailing Newport News and Norfolk. Your Eastern Shore location creates particular hurricane vulnerability compared to inland peers.
Hurricane threat dominates coastal exposure
Hurricane risk surges to 89.49—among Virginia's highest—reflecting your position on the Atlantic-facing Eastern Shore peninsula. Flood risk follows at 57.20, while earthquake (32.25), wildfire (29.80), and tornado (22.65) threats remain relatively modest.
Hurricane and flood insurance are critical
Northampton's 89.49 hurricane score makes comprehensive wind and flood coverage non-negotiable for protecting your property. Install storm shutters, reinforce roof connections, ensure flood insurance covers current property value, and maintain an updated hurricane preparation plan reviewed annually.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Northampton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Northampton County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Northampton County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 44th percentile. The 44th percentile national ranking is one lens; Northampton County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Northampton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 57th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (32th percentile), wildfire (30th percentile), tornado (23th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane exposure at the 89th percentile nationally makes Northampton County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Northampton County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Flood at the 57th percentile nationally is Northampton County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Northampton County residents benefit from registering with the county's special-needs evacuation registry if household members have mobility limitations, require electricity-dependent medical equipment, or cannot self-evacuate — registration in advance of storm season is required.
Regional Context
Northampton County is 11.2 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 Northampton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Northampton County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Northampton County?
How does Northampton County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Northampton County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Northampton 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.