Marion County Disaster Risk
Marion County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
72th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#12
of 55 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
86th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% 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 59% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Marion County, West Virginia
Marion County's disaster risk stays moderate
Marion County's composite risk score of 71.50 exceeds West Virginia's state average of 49.21, placing it in the relatively low risk category. This reflects significant flood and hurricane exposure tempered by low wildfire and tornado threats.
Marion ranks in upper-middle tier for risk
Marion County scores 71.50 on the composite disaster risk scale, placing it solidly in the middle-to-upper range of West Virginia's 55 counties. The county's risk profile is anchored by flood vulnerability rather than spread across multiple hazard types.
Marion's risk closely mirrors Harrison County
Marion County's composite score of 71.50 nearly matches Harrison County's 73.60, with both counties facing similar flood exposure (Marion 85.69, Harrison 86.70) and hurricane risk (Marion 58.78, Harrison 60.58). Marion's slightly lower overall score reflects marginally better performance across most hazard categories.
Flooding and hurricanes threaten Marion County
Flooding dominates Marion County's hazard landscape with a risk score of 85.69, affecting numerous communities and stream corridors. Hurricane risk ranks second at 58.78, while wildfire (30.18), tornado (30.88), and earthquake (42.08) exposures remain moderate.
Flood insurance is Marion's first priority
Marion County's 85.69 flood risk makes flood insurance absolutely essential and should form the foundation of your home protection plan. Add comprehensive wind and hail coverage to address the 58.78 hurricane exposure, and consider earthquake coverage if your home sits near seismic zones.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Marion County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Marion County
Risk Verdict
Marion County ranks at the 72th 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 Marion County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 59th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (42th percentile), tornado (31th percentile), wildfire (30th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Marion County sits at the 86th 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. The county's second-ranked hazard, hurricane at the 59th percentile nationally, means Marion County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Regardless of specific hazard, Marion 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, Marion County runs 22.3 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Marion County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Marion County, WV?
What types of natural hazards affect Marion County?
How does Marion County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
Is Marion County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Marion 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.