Rockbridge County Disaster Risk
Rockbridge County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
33th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#58
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
56th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Rockbridge County, Virginia
Rockbridge County sits at national risk average
Rockbridge County's composite risk score of 33.30 aligns almost perfectly with the national median, earning a "Very Low" rating despite modest exposure to multiple hazards. The county's risk profile reflects typical Appalachian mountain geography with localized flooding concerns.
Right at Virginia's average risk level
Rockbridge County's score of 33.30 matches Virginia's state average of 33.27 almost exactly, placing it in the middle of the state's risk distribution. The county represents a typical Virginia jurisdiction in natural disaster exposure.
Safer than Roanoke County, riskier than Russell
Rockbridge County's 33.30 score sits between Roanoke County (52.19) and Russell County (36.55), with wildfire risk of 59.06 notably elevated compared to nearby rural areas. Hurricane exposure of 69.13 surprises many mountain residents but reflects statewide coastal influence.
Wildfires and floods demand preparation
Wildfire risk of 59.06 is Rockbridge County's dominant hazard, driven by Appalachian forest coverage and mountain ridge exposure. Flood risk of 55.76 follows closely, while hurricane (69.13) and earthquake (38.10) risks remain modest.
Focus on wildfire mitigation and flood awareness
Rockbridge County residents should clear vegetation and maintain defensible space around homes given wildfire risk of 59.06, particularly critical in mountain locations. Obtain flood insurance if your property is in a valley or near waterways; review your elevation and flood zone designation.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Rockbridge County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Rockbridge County
Risk Verdict
Rockbridge County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 33th percentile nationally. Residents of Rockbridge County can use the 33th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Rockbridge County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 69th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 59th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (56th percentile), earthquake (38th percentile), tornado (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane risk is Rockbridge County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 69th percentile nationally. The most time-sensitive preparedness step is knowing the county's evacuation zone for your address — zone maps are published by the county emergency management office. Rockbridge County's wildfire exposure at the 59th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Rockbridge County's county emergency management office publishes official evacuation zone maps with zone-specific shelter locations; downloading this map and identifying your zone assignment is the single highest-value pre-season step.
Regional Context
At just 0.0 composite points from the Virginia average, Rockbridge County's natural disaster risk is closely in line with its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Rockbridge County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Rockbridge County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Rockbridge County?
How does Rockbridge County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Rockbridge County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Rockbridge 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.