Rappahannock County Disaster Risk
Rappahannock County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
7th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#115
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
20th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Rappahannock County, Virginia
Rappahannock ranks among America's safest counties
With a composite risk score of 6.90, Rappahannock is very low risk—far below the national average. The county's rural character and distance from major population centers create particularly favorable natural disaster conditions.
Virginia's second-safest jurisdiction
Rappahannock's score of 6.90 is dramatically lower than Virginia's state average of 33.3, placing it among the commonwealth's most resilient counties. Only Radford city ranks safer in the entire state.
Nearly as safe as Radford; safer than all others
Rappahannock (6.90) ranks just slightly higher than Radford (2.64) but far below Prince Edward (32.4), Powhatan (21.1), and all other Virginia counties. The county's remote rural positioning creates exceptional protection from concentrated hazards.
Wildfire and hurricane pose modest threats
Rappahannock's wildfire risk of 38.5 leads all other hazard types, though it remains below state averages. Hurricane risk of 55.3 ranks second; tornado, flood, and earthquake exposures all fall significantly below state norms.
Standard coverage fully addresses your needs
Rappahannock homeowners can rely on basic homeowners insurance for comprehensive protection against typical perils. The county's exceptionally low disaster risk means specialized policies or riders are unnecessary for most residents.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Rappahannock County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Rappahannock County
Risk Verdict
Rappahannock County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 7th percentile nationally. At the 7th percentile, Rappahannock County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Rappahannock County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 55th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 39th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (28th percentile), flood (20th percentile), tornado (12th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 55th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Rappahannock County households benefit from reviewing both homeowners and flood insurance coverage before storm season begins — standard policies often exclude storm surge, which is the leading cause of hurricane fatalities. Rappahannock County's wildfire exposure at the 39th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Rappahannock County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.
Regional Context
Rappahannock County falls 26.4 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 Rappahannock County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Rappahannock County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Rappahannock County?
How does Rappahannock County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Rappahannock County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Rappahannock 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.