McDowell County Disaster Risk
McDowell County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
77th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#6
of 55 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
85th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in McDowell County, West Virginia
McDowell County has elevated national disaster risk
McDowell County's composite risk score of 76.65 is significantly above the national average and West Virginia's state average of 49.21—nearly 56% higher. This places McDowell in the upper tier of the nation's more hazard-exposed counties, despite its "Relatively Low" rating classification.
Third-highest risk county in West Virginia
McDowell County ranks among the top three most disaster-prone counties in West Virginia, with its 76.65 score exceeded only by Mingo County (72.58) and Monongalia County (71.53). The county faces substantially above-average exposure across multiple hazard types.
Riskiest in its regional cluster
McDowell County's score of 76.65 far exceeds nearby Mercer County (65.24) and Mingo County (72.58) in the southern region. Only Monongalia County in the north approaches McDowell's overall risk level, making McDowell the most hazard-exposed county in its area.
Flooding, wildfire, and earthquake risks are severe
McDowell County faces particularly acute flood risk at 84.70 and wildfire risk at 69.31—the latter among the highest in the state. Earthquake risk of 58.62 also ranks notably high, reflecting the county's location in a geologically active region of Appalachia.
Comprehensive hazard coverage essential for McDowell
Flood insurance is non-negotiable with a score of 84.70, and wildfire coverage should be reviewed carefully given the county's 69.31 score. Consider earthquake insurance as well—often a standalone policy—given the county's above-average seismic exposure at 58.62.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in McDowell County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: McDowell County
Risk Verdict
McDowell County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 77th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is McDowell County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 69th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (59th percentile), hurricane (55th percentile), tornado (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
McDowell County's top natural hazard is flood risk, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally. Homeowners here should confirm whether they are in a FEMA-designated flood zone and check if standard homeowners insurance covers flood damage — it typically does not. Secondary wildfire exposure at the 69th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. For most McDowell County households, the highest-return preparedness step is storing critical documents in digital cloud backup combined with a pre-designated family meeting point if communication is disrupted.
Regional Context
McDowell County's composite risk score sits 27.4 points above the West Virginia county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for McDowell County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in McDowell County, WV?
What types of natural hazards affect McDowell County?
How does McDowell County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
Is McDowell County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is McDowell 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.