Washington County Disaster Risk
Washington County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
47th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#42
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
64th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Washington County, Virginia
Washington faces above-average hazards
Washington County's composite risk score of 46.56 reflects a Relatively Low rating but exceeds typical U.S. county exposure levels. The county contends with multiple significant hazard types stemming from its geography and climate.
Moderately elevated within Virginia
Washington County's score of 46.56 exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it in the state's higher-risk quartile. The county faces notably more combined disaster exposure than most Virginia peers.
Riskier than Warren, safer than Tazewell
Washington (46.56) surpasses Warren County (31.58) in composite risk but trails Tazewell County (60.18) significantly. The county occupies a middle-risk position within its regional peer group.
Flooding and earthquakes pose threats
Washington residents face substantial flood risk (63.52) and earthquake exposure (72.68), the county's two primary hazards. Tornado risk (30.12) and wildfire risk (33.17) rank secondary but remain notable concerns.
Comprehensive insurance strategy advised
Washington County homeowners should secure standard coverage with separate flood insurance, given the county's 63.52 flood risk score. Earthquake coverage deserves consideration given the county's notably high seismic exposure (72.68).
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Washington County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Washington County
Risk Verdict
Washington County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 47th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. The 47th percentile national ranking is one lens; Washington County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Washington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 64th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (55th percentile), wildfire (33th percentile), tornado (30th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake risk is Washington County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. Flood at the 64th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Washington County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Washington County residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.
Regional Context
Washington County's composite risk score sits 13.3 points above the Virginia county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Washington County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Washington County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Washington County?
How does Washington County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Washington County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Washington 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.