Hardy County Disaster Risk
Hardy County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
42th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#33
of 55 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
65th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% 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 73% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hardy County, West Virginia
Hardy faces moderate-low disaster risk
Hardy County's composite risk score of 42.46 and Very Low rating place it modestly below the national average for natural disaster exposure. The score sits below West Virginia's state average of 49.21, reflecting regional resilience.
Low-risk county in eastern highlands
Hardy County's score of 42.46 ranks it below the West Virginia average of 49.21, placing it in the lower-risk category statewide. The county's high-elevation mountain terrain provides some protection from certain hazard types.
Mid-range risk in eastern mountain region
Hardy's score of 42.46 sits between Gilmer County (11.45) and Greenbrier County (75.76), occupying the middle ground for southeastern West Virginia. The county faces higher hurricane exposure (72.67) than most neighboring counties.
Hurricane, flood, and wildfire threats notable
Hardy County residents face substantial hurricane risk (72.67), significant flood exposure (65.30), and elevated wildfire danger (57.03). Earthquake and tornado risks are lower, at 33.08 and 16.35 respectively.
Comprehensive coverage addresses multiple hazards
Hardy's flood risk score of 65.30 makes flood insurance essential, particularly in stream valleys and lower-lying areas. The 72.67 hurricane risk score means homeowners should ensure adequate wind/storm coverage and maintain property resilience against sustained winds.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hardy County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hardy County
Risk Verdict
Hardy County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 42th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. The 42th percentile national ranking is one lens; Hardy County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Hardy County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (57th percentile), earthquake (33th percentile), tornado (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hardy County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 73th percentile nationally. Having a designated out-of-area contact, a pre-packed go-bag with medications and documents, and a confirmed evacuation route reduces decision-making load when a storm intensifies rapidly. Hardy County's flood exposure at the 65th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Hardy County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.
Regional Context
Compared to the West Virginia county average, Hardy County's composite score runs 6.8 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Hardy County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hardy County, WV?
What types of natural hazards affect Hardy County?
How does Hardy County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
Is Hardy County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Hardy 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.