York County Disaster Risk
York County, Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
45th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#47
of 133 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
58th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% 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
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in York County, Virginia
York County faces heightened disaster exposure
York County's composite risk score of 44.66 ranks it in the relatively low category but notably above the national average. Its coastal Peninsula location drives extreme hurricane risk (81.69) and significant flood exposure (57.92), offsetting lower tornado and wildfire threats.
High-risk coastal Virginia position
York County's 44.66 score exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, reflecting its status as one of the commonwealth's most hurricane-vulnerable areas. This southeastern location makes it consistently exposed to Atlantic storm systems and seasonal surge risk.
Riskier than nearby Williamsburg
York County's 44.66 composite score significantly exceeds Williamsburg city (2.42) just to the north, despite both being on the Peninsula. The difference reflects York's greater exposure to hurricane-force winds, storm surge, and tidal flooding along its longer waterfront.
Hurricanes dominate; tornadoes rising
Hurricane risk at 81.69 is York County's defining hazard—the highest among the five counties profiled here—driven by direct Atlantic exposure and frequent storm track alignment. Tornado risk (42.37) and wildfire risk (55.92) also demand respect, as spring severe weather and dry summers create compound seasonal threats.
Hurricane readiness is non-negotiable here
Ensure your homeowners insurance includes windstorm and flood coverage; standard policies exclude both, leaving you exposed in a major hurricane. Install storm shutters or impact-resistant windows, trim trees, reinforce your roof deck, and maintain an evacuation plan with family communication protocols updated annually.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in York County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: York County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 45th, York County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. York County's 45th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is York County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 58th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (56th percentile), earthquake (54th percentile), tornado (42th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 82th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, York County households benefit from reviewing both homeowners and flood insurance coverage before storm season begins — standard policies often exclude storm surge, which is the leading cause of hurricane fatalities. York County's flood exposure at the 58th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. York County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.
Regional Context
At 11.4 points above the Virginia state average, York County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Virginia county.
Is your household prepared for York County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in York County, VA?
What types of natural hazards affect York County?
How does York County risk compare to the Virginia average?
Is York County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is York 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.