Barbour County Disaster Risk
Barbour County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
24th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#46
of 55 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
52th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Barbour County, West Virginia
Barbour ranks safest in state
Barbour County's composite risk score of 24.01 places it well below the national average, earning a Very Low rating. This means residents face significantly lower exposure to major natural disasters compared to most American counties.
Among lowest-risk counties statewide
Barbour's score of 24.01 sits far below West Virginia's 49.21 average, ranking the county among the safest in the state. Only a handful of West Virginia counties share this low-risk profile.
Safest corner of northern WV
Barbour is considerably safer than neighboring Braxton County (36.16) and Brooke County (54.23), making it one of the most secure areas in the region. This advantage holds steady across most hazard types.
Flood and earthquake are top concerns
Barbour's flood risk score of 51.75 and earthquake risk of 24.52 represent the county's main vulnerabilities, though both remain modest by state standards. Tornado and wildfire risks are minimal, each scoring below 12.
Standard homeowners insurance sufficient
While Barbour's overall risk is low, securing comprehensive homeowners insurance remains essential to protect against flooding and other perils. Renters should also carry coverage, as most landlord policies don't protect personal belongings.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Barbour County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Barbour County
Risk Verdict
Barbour County's overall natural disaster score at the 24th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Barbour County residents can take confidence from a 24th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Barbour County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 52th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 48th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (25th percentile), wildfire (12th percentile), tornado (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Barbour County's top hazard at the 52th percentile nationally. Households in or near designated flood zones face elevated financial exposure; flood insurance typically requires a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so applying before the season is advisable. The county's second-ranked hazard, hurricane at the 48th percentile nationally, means Barbour County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Households across Barbour County should identify the nearest community shelter and keep a basic emergency kit — water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, and battery radio — in a location easy to grab quickly.
Regional Context
Barbour County's composite risk score sits 25.2 points below the West Virginia county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Barbour County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Barbour County, WV?
What types of natural hazards affect Barbour County?
How does Barbour County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
Is Barbour County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Barbour County a safe place to live?
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.