Tazewell County Disaster Risk
Tazewell County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
60th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#22
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
75th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Tazewell County, Virginia
Tazewell faces above-average hazards
Tazewell County's composite risk score of 60.18 reflects a Relatively Low national rating but exceeds the U.S. median, signaling notably higher exposure than typical American counties. Multiple hazard types drive this elevated risk profile.
Higher risk than most Virginia peers
Tazewell's score of 60.18 nearly doubles Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it among the state's higher-risk counties for natural disasters. Only Virginia Beach and a handful of other localities exceed Tazewell's composite risk.
Riskiest county in its region
Tazewell (60.18) faces substantially higher exposure than Washington County (46.56) and Warren County (31.58) nearby. The county's terrain and geography create distinct vulnerability compared to surrounding areas.
Flooding and wildfires dominate threats
Tazewell residents face significant flood risk (75.06) and wildfire risk (57.73), the county's two primary hazards. Earthquake exposure (68.13) also ranks notably high, while tornado risk (15.36) remains relatively modest.
Comprehensive coverage essential here
Tazewell homeowners should prioritize flood insurance separate from standard policies, given the county's 75.06 flood risk score. Wildfire-resistant landscaping and evacuation planning complement adequate insurance coverage for this higher-risk county.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Tazewell County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Tazewell County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 60th, Tazewell County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Tazewell County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 75th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 68th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (58th percentile), hurricane (52th percentile), tornado (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 75th percentile nationally, Tazewell County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. Secondary earthquake exposure at the 68th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Registering for Tazewell County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
At 26.9 points above the Virginia state average, Tazewell County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Virginia county.
Is your household prepared for Tazewell County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Tazewell County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Tazewell County?
How does Tazewell County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Tazewell County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Tazewell 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.