Surry County Disaster Risk
Surry County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
5th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#125
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
42th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Surry County, Virginia
Surry ranks far below national risk
Surry County's composite risk score of 4.71 places it among the safest counties in the nation for natural disasters. The county's Very Low rating reflects significantly lower exposure than the typical U.S. county, meaning residents face minimal combined hazard risk across flooding, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes.
Virginia's safest county for disasters
Surry ranks as one of Virginia's lowest-risk counties, with a composite score of 4.71 compared to the state average of 33.27. This makes Surry substantially safer than most other Virginia communities when measuring overall natural disaster exposure.
Safer than nearby Sussex and Warren
Surry's risk profile (4.71) significantly outperforms neighboring Sussex County (13.23) and Warren County (31.58) on composite risk. Among its peer counties, Surry benefits from lower flood and wildfire exposure, making it one of the region's most resilient areas.
Hurricane risk stands above other threats
While Surry's overall risk is very low, hurricane exposure at 69.59 represents the county's most significant hazard, though still manageable compared to coastal Virginia regions. Flood risk (42.00) and earthquake risk (28.09) remain secondary concerns, while wildfire and tornado risks are minimal.
Basic coverage protects your assets
Despite low overall risk, Surry residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance with windstorm coverage to address hurricane exposure. Annual premium review ensures your policy reflects the county's modest but real weather and seismic risks.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Surry County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Surry County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Surry County ranks at the 5th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Surry County residents can take confidence from a 5th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Surry County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 42th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (28th percentile), wildfire (17th percentile), tornado (14th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With hurricane ranked at the 70th percentile nationally, Surry County sits in a zone where multi-day supply readiness matters: grid outages after landfalling storms can last one to three weeks in heavily affected areas. Surry County's flood 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. Insurance gaps are the most common post-hurricane financial shock: standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood damage and may have a separate wind deductible. Surry County households benefit from a pre-season insurance review confirming both wind and flood coverage.
Regional Context
At 28.6 points below the Virginia state average, Surry County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Surry County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Surry County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Surry County?
How does Surry County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Surry County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Surry 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.