Scott County Disaster Risk
Scott County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
42th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#50
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
65th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Scott County, Virginia
Scott County's disaster risk profile
Scott County scores 41.95 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating that sits above Virginia's state average of 33.27. This means residents face relatively modest natural hazard exposure compared to the nation's most vulnerable counties.
Among Virginia's safest counties
Scott County ranks among Virginia's lower-risk communities, with its 41.95 composite score reflecting above-average protection from multiple hazard types. The county's very low rating demonstrates comparatively resilient conditions within the Commonwealth.
Similar risk to nearby mountain counties
Scott County's risk profile mirrors nearby Smyth County (57.79), though Scott faces notably lower earthquake risk at 64.47 versus Smyth's 61.51. Both Appalachian counties share moderate flood and wildfire exposure but avoid the extreme risks seen in coastal Virginia.
Earthquakes and floods top concerns
Earthquake risk dominates Scott County's hazard profile at 64.47, followed by flood risk at 65.01—both reflecting the county's location in seismically active southwestern Virginia. Wildfire risk remains moderate at 52.32, while tornado and hurricane threats are comparatively low at 19.94 and 37.84 respectively.
Prioritize earthquake and flood coverage
Scott County homeowners should consider earthquake insurance given the county's 64.47 earthquake risk score, a critical gap in standard homeowners policies. Flood insurance also matters: while not mandatory outside high-risk zones, the county's 65.01 flood risk justifies a review of whether you're adequately protected.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Scott County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Scott County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Scott County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 42th percentile. At the 42th percentile nationally, Scott County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Scott County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 65th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 64th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (52th percentile), hurricane (38th percentile), tornado (20th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 65th percentile nationally, Scott County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. The county's second-ranked hazard, earthquake at the 64th percentile nationally, means Scott County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Scott County households.
Regional Context
A composite score 8.7 points above the Virginia state average puts Scott County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Scott County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Scott County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Scott County?
How does Scott County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Scott County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Scott 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.