Lincoln County Disaster Risk
Lincoln County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
60th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#19
of 55 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
79th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lincoln County, West Virginia
Lincoln County's risk profile stays moderate
Lincoln County's composite risk score of 59.70 exceeds West Virginia's state average of 49.21, placing it in the relatively low risk category. This reflects concentrated wildfire and flood vulnerability rather than broad-based hazard exposure.
Mid-tier risk among West Virginia counties
Lincoln County ranks in the middle tier of West Virginia's disaster risk hierarchy with a composite score of 59.70. The county's risk profile is driven primarily by wildfire and flood exposure, with other hazard types remaining manageable.
Lincoln's wildfire risk stands out among peers
Lincoln County's 71.98 wildfire risk far exceeds Harrison County's 25.22 and Jackson County's 20.39, representing the county's most distinctive vulnerability. Its flood risk of 78.69 aligns with neighboring counties, but the wildfire exposure pushes its composite score to 59.70.
Wildfire and flooding threaten Lincoln County
Wildfire represents Lincoln County's most significant hazard with a risk score of 71.98, considerably higher than most peer counties. Flooding ranks second at 78.69, while earthquake (37.25), hurricane (47.43), and tornado (11.90) hazards pose lower but present risks.
Wildfire and flood coverage are essential
Lincoln County's 71.98 wildfire risk demands that you verify your homeowners insurance includes comprehensive coverage for wildfire damage and invest in defensible space around your property. Add flood insurance to address the 78.69 flood risk, particularly if your home sits near streams, rivers, or flood-prone terrain.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lincoln County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lincoln County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Lincoln County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 60th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Lincoln County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Lincoln County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 79th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 72th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (47th percentile), earthquake (37th percentile), tornado (12th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Lincoln County's top hazard at the 79th percentile nationally. Households in or near designated flood zones face elevated financial exposure; flood insurance typically requires a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so applying before the season is advisable. The county's second-ranked hazard, wildfire at the 72th percentile nationally, means Lincoln County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Households across Lincoln County should identify the nearest community shelter and keep a basic emergency kit — water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, and battery radio — in a location easy to grab quickly.
Regional Context
Lincoln County is 10.5 composite risk points above the West Virginia average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Lincoln County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lincoln County, WV?
What types of natural hazards affect Lincoln County?
How does Lincoln County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
Is Lincoln County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Lincoln 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.