Marshall County Disaster Risk
Marshall County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
57th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#24
of 55 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
77th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% 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 28% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Marshall County, West Virginia
Marshall County's disaster risk: above average
Marshall County scores 56.81 on the national composite risk scale, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category but 15% higher than West Virginia's average of 49.21. The county faces moderately elevated exposure compared to the typical U.S. county, driven primarily by significant flood vulnerability.
Mid-tier risk among West Virginia counties
Marshall County ranks in the middle range of West Virginia's 55 counties by overall disaster risk. Its 56.81 score exceeds the state average, making it one of the more exposed counties, though several neighbors carry substantially higher risk profiles.
Riskier than nearby Mineral County
Marshall County's score of 56.81 exceeds Mineral County's 52.83 and Monroe County's very low 28.28, but trails McDowell County (76.65) and Mercer County (65.24) to the south. Your county sits in the moderate range compared to regional peers, with flood risk as the primary differentiator.
Flooding and hurricanes are primary concerns
Marshall County's flood risk score of 76.75 is its most pressing hazard—nearly double its wildfire risk of 23.86. Hurricane preparedness also matters: the county scores 51.73 on hurricane risk, reflecting exposure to remnant tropical systems that occasionally reach West Virginia.
Prioritize flood insurance for Marshall County
With flood risk at 76.75, flood insurance is essential for any home in a flood zone or with significant water exposure. Consider also reviewing hurricane and wind coverage on homeowners policies, given the county's 51.73 hurricane risk score.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Marshall County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Marshall County
Risk Verdict
Marshall County's FEMA risk score places it at the 57th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Marshall County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 77th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 52th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (31th percentile), earthquake (28th percentile), wildfire (24th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 77th percentile nationally for flood risk, Marshall County residents benefit from understanding their specific flood zone status. Even one inch of floodwater causes significant structural damage to properties outside officially designated high-risk zones. Alongside flooding, hurricane exposure at the 52th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Marshall County's primary hazards — including how to shelter in place or evacuate, and who to call — provides more real protection than a general emergency kit sitting unused on a shelf.
Regional Context
The West Virginia county average is 7.6 composite points below Marshall County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Marshall County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Marshall County, WV?
What types of natural hazards affect Marshall County?
How does Marshall County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
Is Marshall County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Marshall 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.