Braxton County Disaster Risk
Braxton County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
36th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#37
of 55 (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 5% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Braxton County, West Virginia
Braxton offers strong natural disaster safety
Braxton County's composite risk score of 36.16 earns a Very Low rating, placing it well below the national average. The county's rural, inland location shields it from major hazard exposure.
Among safest counties in state
Braxton's score of 36.16 sits significantly below West Virginia's 49.21 average, ranking the county among the safest in the state. Only a few counties share this favorable risk profile.
Safe haven in central WV
Braxton is substantially safer than neighboring Boone County (69.37) and Brooke County (54.23), offering residents more protection from major natural hazards. Its low-risk status is one of the county's geographic advantages.
Flood dominates modest risk profile
Braxton's flood risk of 63.58 represents its primary vulnerability, though still moderate by state standards. Wildfire and tornado risks are extremely low at 5.44 and 6.58 respectively.
Standard coverage provides solid protection
Braxton residents should maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance with flood coverage consideration, particularly in low-lying areas near streams. The county's overall low-risk environment means standard protections are generally sufficient.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Braxton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Braxton County
Risk Verdict
At the 36th percentile nationally, Braxton County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Being ranked at the 36th percentile nationally is an advantage for Braxton County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Braxton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 64th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 46th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (27th percentile), tornado (7th percentile), wildfire (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Braxton County sits at the 64th percentile nationally for flood exposure. Knowing your property's flood zone designation — available at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — is the first step toward understanding actual exposure and insurance options. The county's second-ranked hazard, hurricane at the 46th percentile nationally, means Braxton County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Regardless of specific hazard, Braxton County households benefit from a practiced communication plan: a designated out-of-state contact and a pre-agreed evacuation destination established before the season's peak risk period.
Regional Context
A composite score 13.0 points below the West Virginia state average puts Braxton County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Braxton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Braxton County, WV?
What types of natural hazards affect Braxton County?
How does Braxton County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
Is Braxton County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Braxton 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.