Wise County Disaster Risk
Wise County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
50th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#36
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
66th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Wise County, Virginia
Wise County faces above-average disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 50.41, Wise County ranks in the relatively low category but substantially exceeds the national average. This Appalachian mountain county's exposure is driven primarily by extreme wildfire risk (84.26) and significant flood danger (66.25).
Among Virginia's highest-risk counties
Wise County's score of 50.41 far exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, placing it among the commonwealth's most hazard-prone areas. Its wildfire risk of 84.26 ranks among the highest in Virginia, reflecting dense forest cover and seasonal drought vulnerability.
Riskiest in its region
Wise County's 50.41 composite score is higher than neighboring Wythe County (48.73) and far exceeds Winchester city (16.86) to the north. This elevated risk reflects Wise's mountainous terrain, dense vegetation, and position in Virginia's most fire-prone zone.
Wildfire and flooding dominate here
Wildfire risk at 84.26 is Wise County's defining hazard—among the highest in Virginia—driven by extensive forests and seasonal fire conditions. Flood risk (66.25) compounds the danger, as mountain storms and snowmelt create rapid runoff on steep terrain.
Defensible space and evacuation plans save lives
Clear trees and brush 30+ feet from your home, maintain a non-flammable roof, and keep gutters leaf-free—these steps dramatically reduce wildfire risk in your immediate area. Create a detailed evacuation plan with alternate routes, secure flood insurance for any property in or near floodplains, and stay informed through local emergency alerts.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Wise County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Wise County
Risk Verdict
Wise County's FEMA risk score places it at the 50th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Wise County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 84th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 66th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (58th percentile), hurricane (49th percentile), tornado (22th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wise County sits at the 84th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Wise County's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 66th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. In Wise County, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.
Regional Context
The Virginia county average is 17.1 composite points below Wise County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Wise County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Wise County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect Wise County?
How does Wise County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is Wise County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Wise 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.