Northumberland County Disaster Risk
Northumberland County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
40th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#51
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
68th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Northumberland County, Virginia
Northumberland maintains below-national risk levels
With a composite risk score of 39.98, Northumberland County rates as Very Low, positioning it safely below the nation's average natural disaster exposure. Your community faces less overall threat than typical American counties.
Slightly above Virginia's statewide average
At 39.98, Northumberland edges above Virginia's state average of 33.27 by about 20 percent, placing it in the state's middle-to-higher range. You experience moderate hazard exposure relative to other Virginia communities.
Mid-tier risk among regional counties
Northumberland (39.98) ranks in the middle of this county grouping—safer than Nelson (34.10) and Northampton (44.47), but more exposed than Middlesex (23.79) and New Kent (14.12). Your Northern Neck location reflects typical Tidewater vulnerability patterns.
Hurricane and flood pose leading threats
Hurricane risk peaks at 86.90, reflecting Atlantic storm exposure, while flood risk stands at 68.40 from river and tidal influences. Tornado (27.19), earthquake (38.93), and wildfire (19.62) threats remain secondary but merit preparedness attention.
Hurricane and flood insurance are essential
Separate flood and hurricane insurance policies are crucial investments given Northumberland's 68.40 flood and 86.90 hurricane scores. Trim trees overhanging your property, secure roof fasteners before storm season, and verify coverage limits match current property replacement cost.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Northumberland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Northumberland County
Risk Verdict
Northumberland County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 40th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Even at the 40th percentile, Northumberland County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Northumberland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 68th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (39th percentile), tornado (27th percentile), wildfire (20th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Northumberland County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 87th 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. Northumberland County's flood exposure at the 68th 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 Northumberland County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.
Regional Context
Northumberland County falls 6.7 points above Virginia's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Northumberland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Northumberland County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Northumberland County?
How does Northumberland County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Northumberland County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Northumberland 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.