Cabell County Disaster Risk
Cabell County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
85th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#2
of 55 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
92th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cabell County, West Virginia
Cabell faces highest state-level risks
Cabell County's composite risk score of 85.37 earns a Relatively Moderate rating, making it one of West Virginia's highest-risk counties. The score significantly exceeds the national average across multiple hazard categories.
Highest composite risk in state
Cabell's score of 85.37 towers above West Virginia's 49.21 average, marking it as the state's most vulnerable county overall. This elevated profile reflects exceptional exposure to multiple natural hazards.
Clear hazard leader in region
Cabell significantly outranks neighboring Boone County (69.37) and Berkeley County (68.26) in overall composite risk. The county's concentration of hazards makes it substantially more vulnerable than surrounding areas.
Flood, wildfire, earthquake converge
Cabell faces severe flood risk (91.92), major wildfire exposure (69.24), and elevated earthquake risk (71.79), making it vulnerable to multiple simultaneous hazards. Tornado risk of 55.09 adds another significant layer of concern.
Comprehensive protection absolutely essential
Cabell residents must invest in flood insurance, earthquake coverage, and ensure homeowners policies cover wildfire damage—standard coverage is insufficient. Consultation with an insurance agent about multi-hazard protection is critical for property security.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cabell County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cabell County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard risk in Cabell County is higher than the majority of U.S. counties, with a national composite rank of 85th. Cabell County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Cabell County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 72th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (69th percentile), hurricane (57th percentile), tornado (55th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 92th percentile nationally, Cabell County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. Secondary earthquake exposure at the 72th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Cabell County households.
Regional Context
A composite score 36.2 points above the West Virginia state average puts Cabell County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Cabell County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cabell County, WV?
What types of natural hazards affect Cabell County?
How does Cabell County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
Is Cabell County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Cabell 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.