Hampshire County Disaster Risk
Hampshire County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
38th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#36
of 55 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
63th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hampshire County, West Virginia
Hampshire faces moderate-low disaster risk
Hampshire County's composite risk score of 38.01 and Very Low rating place it below the national average, with managed natural disaster exposure. The score sits notably below West Virginia's state average of 49.21.
Below-average risk in eastern panhandle
Hampshire County's score of 38.01 ranks it in the lower-risk tier statewide, roughly 23% below West Virginia's average of 49.21. The county's eastern mountain location provides some protection from major hazards.
Similar risk profile to Hardy County
Hampshire's score of 38.01 closely resembles Hardy County (42.46) and Grant County (33.17), placing it in a regional cluster of moderate-low-risk counties. The county faces higher hurricane exposure (65.67) than its immediate neighbors.
Floods and hurricanes pose primary threats
Hampshire County residents face substantial flood risk (62.82) and notable hurricane exposure (65.67), making these the county's leading hazard concerns. Wildfire danger is also elevated at 54.93, while tornado risk remains relatively low at 20.04.
Prioritize flood and wind coverage
Hampshire's flood risk score of 62.82 makes flood insurance critical for property protection, especially near stream corridors and low-lying areas. The 65.67 hurricane risk score means homeowners should ensure adequate wind coverage and roof maintenance.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hampshire County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hampshire County
Risk Verdict
Hampshire County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 38th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 38th percentile nationally is an advantage for Hampshire County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Hampshire County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 66th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (55th percentile), earthquake (33th percentile), tornado (20th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 66th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Hampshire County households benefit from reviewing both homeowners and flood insurance coverage before storm season begins — standard policies often exclude storm surge, which is the leading cause of hurricane fatalities. Flood, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 63th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Hampshire County independent of hurricane season. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Hampshire County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.
Regional Context
Hampshire County falls 11.2 points below West Virginia's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Hampshire County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hampshire County, WV?
What types of natural hazards affect Hampshire County?
How does Hampshire County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
Is Hampshire County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Hampshire 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.