Virginia Beach city Disaster Risk
Virginia Beach city, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
58th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#25
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
67th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Virginia Beach city, Virginia
Virginia Beach faces elevated hazards
Virginia Beach's composite risk score of 57.86 reflects a Relatively Low rating but indicates above-average exposure compared to typical U.S. counties. The city's coastal location and population density create multiple overlapping disaster vulnerabilities.
Among Virginia's highest-risk areas
Virginia Beach's score of 57.86 substantially exceeds the state average of 33.27, ranking among Virginia's most disaster-exposed localities. Only a few peer counties in the state face comparable combined hazard levels.
Westmoreland and Sussex face lower risk
Virginia Beach (57.86) experiences notably higher composite risk than nearby Westmoreland County (37.37) and Sussex County (13.23). The city's coastal geography and urban density distinguish it from interior Virginia counties.
Hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding loom
Virginia Beach residents confront the state's highest hurricane risk (88.94), combined with significant tornado exposure (66.67) and flood risk (67.40). These three hazards require serious preparation and insurance planning for city residents.
Robust insurance is non-negotiable
Virginia Beach homeowners must secure comprehensive coverage including flood insurance and windstorm protection; standard policies often exclude hurricane damage. Annual policy review and home hardening against high winds provide essential protection for this high-exposure city.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Virginia Beach city
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Virginia Beach city
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Virginia Beach city is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 58th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Virginia Beach city's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Virginia Beach city's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 67th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (67th percentile), tornado (67th percentile), wildfire (56th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane exposure at the 89th percentile nationally makes Virginia Beach city a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Virginia Beach city evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. The county's secondary earthquake risk at the 67th percentile nationally means Virginia Beach city faces compounding hazards — inland flooding often follows landfalling hurricanes even well away from the coast. Virginia Beach city residents benefit from registering with the county's special-needs evacuation registry if household members have mobility limitations, require electricity-dependent medical equipment, or cannot self-evacuate — registration in advance of storm season is required.
Regional Context
Virginia Beach city is 24.6 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 Virginia Beach city's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Virginia Beach city, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Virginia Beach city?
How does Virginia Beach city risk compare to the Virginia average?
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How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Virginia Beach city 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.