Russell County Disaster Risk
Russell County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
37th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#56
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
48th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Russell County, Virginia
Russell County carries moderate disaster risk
Russell County's composite risk score of 36.55 sits slightly above the national median, earning a "Very Low" rating despite scattered exposure to wildfires and earthquakes. The county's risk reflects typical southwestern Virginia mountain geography.
Lower-middle risk among Virginia counties
Russell County's score of 36.55 ranks slightly above Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it in the safer half of the state's jurisdiction distribution. The county avoids the extreme exposure seen in eastern and valley counties.
Safer than Roanoke and Rockingham counties
Russell County's 36.55 score comfortably beats Roanoke County (52.19) and Rockingham County (75.03), though slightly exceeds Rockbridge County (33.30). The southwestern mountain location provides genuine protection from coastal and major valley hazards.
Wildfires pose your primary hazard threat
Wildfire risk of 54.42 dominates Russell County's hazard profile, driven by Appalachian forest coverage and ridge-top exposure. Earthquake risk of 55.06 follows, while flood (48.22), hurricane (50.86), and tornado (16.38) risks remain substantially lower.
Prioritize wildfire defensibility and planning
Russell County residents should maintain 30+ feet of defensible space around homes and clear dead vegetation given wildfire risk of 54.42. Consider earthquake insurance given your risk score of 36.55, and maintain standard flood insurance if in a valley or near waterways.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Russell County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Russell County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Russell County ranks at the 37th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Being ranked at the 37th percentile nationally is an advantage for Russell County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Russell County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 55th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 54th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (51th percentile), flood (48th percentile), tornado (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With earthquake ranked as the top hazard at the 55th percentile nationally, Russell County residents benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance: standard policies rarely cover earthquake damage, and separate earthquake insurance must be purchased before an event. Wildfire at the 54th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Russell County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Earthquake insurance in Russell County is typically offered as a separate policy — standard homeowners coverage excludes ground movement. Reviewing this gap and comparing policy options before an event is a financial preparedness step with potentially large consequences.
Regional Context
Russell County sits within 3.3 composite points of the Virginia state average, suggesting the county's hazard exposure is representative of the broader regional pattern.
Is your household prepared for Russell County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Russell County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Russell County?
How does Russell County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Russell County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Russell 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.