Jackson County Disaster Risk
Jackson County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
56th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#25
of 55 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
76th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Jackson County, West Virginia
Jackson County sits slightly above national baseline
Jackson County's composite risk score of 56.46 exceeds West Virginia's state average of 49.21, placing it in the relatively low risk category. Compared to high-hazard counties across the nation, Jackson faces below-average overall disaster exposure.
Among West Virginia's safer counties
Jackson County ranks in the lower-risk half of West Virginia's 55 counties, with a composite score of 56.46 that reflects controlled hazard exposure. Its main vulnerabilities cluster in flood and hurricane risks rather than spreading across multiple hazard types.
Lower tornado risk than Harrison County
Jackson County's composite score of 56.46 sits well below Harrison County's 73.60, driven by Jackson's much lower tornado risk of 12.75 versus Harrison's 34.99. Both counties face similar flood exposure (Jackson 75.83, Harrison 86.70), but Jackson's stronger protection from severe convective storms gives it an edge.
Flooding and hurricanes threaten Jackson County
Flooding represents Jackson County's primary hazard with a risk score of 75.83, affecting low-lying areas and stream corridors throughout the county. Hurricane exposure ranks second at 56.53, with tornado danger (12.75) and wildfire risk (20.39) posing lower but present threats.
Prioritize flood and wind coverage in Jackson
Jackson County's 75.83 flood risk means flood insurance should be a non-negotiable part of your property protection plan. Add comprehensive wind and hail coverage to address the 56.53 hurricane risk, and consider umbrella liability protection for weather-related incidents.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Jackson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Jackson County
Risk Verdict
Jackson County ranks at the 56th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Jackson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 76th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 57th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (42th percentile), wildfire (20th percentile), tornado (13th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Jackson County sits at the 76th percentile nationally for flood exposure. Knowing your property's flood zone designation — available at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — is the first step toward understanding actual exposure and insurance options. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 57th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Regardless of specific hazard, Jackson County households benefit from a practiced communication plan: a designated out-of-state contact and a pre-agreed evacuation destination established before the season's peak risk period.
Regional Context
Compared to other West Virginia counties, Jackson County runs 7.2 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Jackson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Jackson County, WV?
What types of natural hazards affect Jackson County?
How does Jackson County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
Is Jackson County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Jackson 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.