Jefferson County Disaster Risk
Jefferson County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
48th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#29
of 55 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
64th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Jefferson County, West Virginia
Jefferson County among the safest in West Virginia
Jefferson County's composite risk score of 47.81 sits slightly below West Virginia's state average of 49.21, placing it firmly in the relatively low risk category. This modest score reflects below-average exposure to most major hazards compared to the nation's highest-risk counties.
Lowest-risk county in this analysis group
Jefferson County ranks as the safest county in this eight-county profile, with a composite score of 47.81 that edges below the state average. Its balanced hazard profile means no single disaster type dominates the risk landscape.
Jefferson County's moderate earthquake exposure
Jefferson County's composite score of 47.81 ranks below Harrison County's 73.60, but its earthquake risk of 62.85 is notably higher than Harrison's 51.94. Jefferson also faces substantial hurricane exposure (69.09 versus Harrison's 60.58), offsetting its lower flood risk.
Hurricane and earthquake risks top the list
Hurricane exposure dominates Jefferson County's hazard profile with a risk score of 69.09, the highest among the county's threats. Earthquake risk ranks second at 62.85, followed by flood danger at 64.19—a relatively balanced mix of natural hazards.
Earthquake and wind coverage matter in Jefferson
Jefferson County's 62.85 earthquake risk and 69.09 hurricane risk mean you should carry both earthquake insurance and comprehensive wind/hail coverage on your home. Don't overlook flood insurance despite the lower 64.19 flood risk score, as riverine and localized flooding can still cause devastating losses.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Jefferson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Jefferson County
Risk Verdict
Jefferson County's FEMA risk score places it at the 48th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. At the 48th percentile, Jefferson County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Jefferson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 69th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 64th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (63th percentile), tornado (37th percentile), wildfire (22th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With hurricane ranked at the 69th percentile nationally, Jefferson 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. Jefferson County's flood exposure at the 64th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Insurance gaps are the most common post-hurricane financial shock: standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood damage and may have a separate wind deductible. Jefferson County households benefit from a pre-season insurance review confirming both wind and flood coverage.
Regional Context
Jefferson County sits within 1.4 composite points of the West Virginia state average, suggesting the county's hazard exposure is representative of the broader regional pattern.
Is your household prepared for Jefferson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Jefferson County, WV?
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How does Jefferson County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
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Is Jefferson 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.