Smyth County Disaster Risk
Smyth County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
58th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#26
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 31% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Smyth County, Virginia
Smyth County faces moderate national risk
Smyth County scores 57.79 with a Relatively Low rating, running 24.5 points above Virginia's state average of 33.27. The elevation reflects particular vulnerability to earthquakes and hurricanes, though floods and wildfires also pose measurable threats.
Upper-middle risk tier in Virginia
Smyth County ranks among Virginia's more exposed counties at 57.79, placing it well above most Commonwealth communities. The rating reflects the intersection of Appalachian seismic activity and weather system exposure.
Comparable risk to Shenandoah County
Smyth County's 57.79 score closely mirrors Shenandoah County's 59.83, though the two counties face different top hazards. Shenandoah's hurricane risk (80.14) far exceeds Smyth's (57.99), while Smyth's flood exposure (61.90) runs slightly lower.
Earthquakes and hurricanes lead threats
Earthquake risk at 61.51 represents Smyth County's dominant hazard, reflecting the county's position in Virginia's seismic zone. Hurricane risk at 57.99 and flood risk at 61.90 form a secondary tier of concern, while wildfire risk remains manageable at 31.27.
Add earthquake insurance to your policy
Smyth County residents should prioritize earthquake insurance; at 61.51 risk, coverage gaps in standard homeowners policies could prove costly. Flood insurance also deserves consideration, particularly for properties in low-lying or riparian zones, given the 61.90 flood risk score.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Smyth County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Smyth County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Smyth County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 58th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Smyth County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Smyth County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 62th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 62th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (58th percentile), wildfire (31th percentile), tornado (21th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Smyth County's top hazard at the 62th percentile nationally. Households in or near designated flood zones face elevated financial exposure; flood insurance typically requires a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so applying before the season is advisable. Secondary earthquake exposure at the 62th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Households across Smyth County should identify the nearest community shelter and keep a basic emergency kit — water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, and battery radio — in a location easy to grab quickly.
Regional Context
Smyth County is 24.5 composite risk points above the Virginia average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Smyth County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Smyth County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Smyth County?
How does Smyth County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Smyth County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Smyth 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.