Southampton County Disaster Risk
Southampton County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
30th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#64
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
30th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Southampton County, Virginia
Southampton's risk stays well below average
Southampton County scores just 29.80 with a Very Low rating, sitting below Virginia's state average of 33.27. Despite coastal location vulnerabilities, the county maintains the Commonwealth's lowest overall disaster risk profile.
Virginia's safest county overall
Southampton County ranks as one of Virginia's lowest-risk counties at 29.80, with its very low rating reflecting strong resilience across most hazard categories. The county's brief exposure window to hurricanes is offset by minimal earthquake and wildfire threats.
Safest in southeastern Virginia
Southampton County's 29.80 composite score substantially underperforms Suffolk city (60.11), the region's riskiest jurisdiction. The difference reflects Southampton's rural character and limited exposure to multiple simultaneous hazards.
Hurricanes pose the primary threat
Hurricane risk at 83.94 is Southampton County's standout vulnerability—among Virginia's highest—reflecting coastal storm surge and wind exposure. Flood risk (29.77), tornado risk (23.38), and earthquake risk (42.18) all remain well-managed, though wildfire is virtually negligible at 15.78.
Hurricane coverage is non-negotiable
Southampton County homeowners must ensure wind and hail protection given the 83.94 hurricane risk score; this is the county's single critical insurance priority. Standard homeowners policies often exclude hurricane damage, making separate windstorm coverage essential for coastal resilience.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Southampton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Southampton County
Risk Verdict
Southampton County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 30th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Southampton County's favorable 30th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Southampton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 84th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 42th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (30th percentile), tornado (23th percentile), wildfire (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Southampton County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 84th percentile nationally. Having a designated out-of-area contact, a pre-packed go-bag with medications and documents, and a confirmed evacuation route reduces decision-making load when a storm intensifies rapidly. Southampton County's earthquake exposure at the 42th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Southampton County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.
Regional Context
At 3.5 points from the Virginia county mean, Southampton County's overall disaster risk profile is close to typical for this state, with no dramatic deviation in either direction.
Is your household prepared for Southampton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Southampton County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Southampton County?
How does Southampton County risk compare to the Virginia average?
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Is Southampton 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.