Grant County Disaster Risk
Grant County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
33th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#41
of 55 (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 51% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Grant County, West Virginia
Grant County faces moderate disaster risk
Grant County's composite risk score of 33.17 and Very Low rating indicate below-average natural disaster exposure compared to the nation. However, the county sits noticeably below West Virginia's state average of 49.21.
Low-risk county in eastern West Virginia
Grant County's score of 33.17 places it in the lower-risk category statewide, approximately one-third below the West Virginia average of 49.21. The county benefits from an eastern mountain location that moderates many hazard types.
Higher risk than Gilmer, lower than Hardy
Grant's score of 33.17 exceeds Gilmer County's exceptionally low 11.45 but falls below Hardy County (42.46) and Hampshire County (38.01). The county's wildfire (51.46) and flood risks (57.86) are elevated relative to its closest neighbors.
Flood, wildfire, and hurricane top concerns
Grant County faces significant flood risk (57.86) and wildfire exposure (51.46), with hurricane impact also notable at 64.58. Tornado and earthquake risks are comparatively low at 14.69 and 28.56 respectively.
Flood and wildfire insurance protections matter
Grant County residents should prioritize flood insurance given the 57.86 risk score, particularly in stream valleys and floodplains. Homeowners should also ensure adequate property coverage and maintain defensible space around structures due to wildfire risk of 51.46.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Grant County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Grant County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Grant County ranks at the 33th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Residents of Grant County can use the 33th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Grant County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 65th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 58th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (51th percentile), earthquake (29th percentile), tornado (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With hurricane ranked at the 65th percentile nationally, Grant County sits in a zone where multi-day supply readiness matters: grid outages after landfalling storms can last one to three weeks in heavily affected areas. Flood at the 58th percentile nationally is Grant County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Insurance gaps are the most common post-hurricane financial shock: standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood damage and may have a separate wind deductible. Grant County households benefit from a pre-season insurance review confirming both wind and flood coverage.
Regional Context
At 16.0 points below the West Virginia state average, Grant County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Grant County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Grant County, WV?
What types of natural hazards affect Grant County?
How does Grant County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
Is Grant County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Grant 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.