Gilmer County Disaster Risk
Gilmer County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
11th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#54
of 55 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
39th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Gilmer County, West Virginia
Gilmer County among America's safest
Gilmer County's composite risk score of 11.45 and Very Low rating place it among the safest counties in the entire United States. This exceptional resilience reflects minimal exposure to most major natural disaster types.
West Virginia's lowest-risk county
Gilmer County's score of 11.45 ranks it as the safest county in West Virginia, well below the state average of 49.21. The county's protected status reflects its geography and relatively small exposure to major hazards.
Significantly safer than surrounding areas
Gilmer's score of 11.45 dramatically outperforms neighboring Doddridge County (14.44), Grant County (33.17), and Hancock County (40.68). The county benefits from terrain and climate patterns that minimize wildfire, tornado, and seismic activity.
Flood and hurricane risks are modest
Gilmer's primary natural disaster exposures are flooding (39.22) and hurricane impact (41.80), both moderate rather than severe. Wildfire risk is nearly negligible at 1.34, and tornado danger is minimal at 4.64.
Basic flood precautions offer strong protection
Even in exceptionally safe Gilmer County, flood coverage protects against the primary local hazard with a risk score of 39.22. Homeowners in flood-prone areas should maintain NFIP or private flood insurance as a cost-effective safeguard.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Gilmer County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Gilmer County
Risk Verdict
At the 11th percentile nationally, Gilmer County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Gilmer County residents can take confidence from a 11th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Gilmer County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 42th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 39th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (18th percentile), tornado (5th percentile), wildfire (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Gilmer County ranks at the 42th percentile nationally for hurricane risk. For coastal counties, wind-resistant shutters or impact-rated windows represent the highest single structural investment for reducing property damage. Flood, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 39th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Gilmer County independent of hurricane season. For extended post-storm outages common in Gilmer County's hurricane zone, a portable generator (operated outdoors only) and a supply of non-perishable food for at least seven days provides meaningful household resilience.
Regional Context
A composite score 37.8 points below the West Virginia state average puts Gilmer County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Gilmer County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Gilmer County, WV?
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How does Gilmer County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
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Is Gilmer 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.