Poquoson city Disaster Risk
Poquoson city, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
2th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#131
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
62th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Poquoson city, Virginia
Poquoson ranks among America's safest cities
Poquoson city scores just 2.35 on the composite risk scale, making it one of the lowest-risk municipalities in the United States. The city's exceptionally protected status reflects a geographic position with minimal exposure to most major natural hazards.
Virginia's second-safest community overall
At 2.35, Poquoson trails only Norton city (1.56) in Virginia's risk rankings, placing it at the absolute bottom of the state's hazard exposure scale. The city's score represents just 7% of Virginia's state average of 33.27, positioning it as one of the commonwealth's most protected jurisdictions.
Dramatically safer than Hampton Roads region
Poquoson's score of 2.35 stands far below other Hampton Roads communities like York County and James City County, which face substantially higher flood and hurricane risks. The city's peninsula geography and elevation provide unique protection despite proximity to coastal hazards.
Flood risk elevated despite overall safety
Flood risk (62.40) represents Poquoson's most significant natural hazard concern, reflecting the city's peninsula location surrounded by water systems and susceptible to storm surge. Wildfire risk (17.37) and tornado risk (13.01) remain very low, while earthquake and hurricane risks pose minimal practical threats.
Flood insurance critical for waterfront properties
Despite Poquoson's overall safety profile, residents should assess flood insurance needs carefully given the flood risk score of 62.40, particularly those near York River or Back Creek. Standard homeowners coverage provides adequate protection for the vast majority of properties in this exceptionally low-risk city.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Poquoson city
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Poquoson city
Risk Verdict
Poquoson city carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 2th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Poquoson city's favorable 2th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Poquoson city's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 62th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (24th percentile), wildfire (17th percentile), tornado (13th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Poquoson city's dominant hazard is flooding, ranked at the 62th percentile nationally. In addition to flood insurance, residents should identify their nearest evacuation shelter and store key documents in waterproof containers. Alongside flooding, hurricane exposure at the 60th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Poquoson city's county emergency management office publishes hazard-specific guidance tailored to local conditions; bookmarking that resource and the county's alert system is a practical first step for any household.
Regional Context
Compared to the Virginia county average, Poquoson city's composite score runs 30.9 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Poquoson city's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.