Mineral County Disaster Risk
Mineral County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
53th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#28
of 55 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
74th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Mineral County, West Virginia
Mineral County has below-average national disaster risk
Mineral County's composite risk score of 52.83 is 7% above West Virginia's state average of 49.21, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category nationally. The county faces moderate exposure compared to the typical U.S. county, with flood risk as the primary concern.
Lower-middle risk tier in West Virginia
Mineral County ranks below the state median among West Virginia's 55 counties, with its 52.83 score placing it among the safer jurisdictions. The county benefits from lower wildfire, tornado, and earthquake risks compared to many peers.
One of the safer counties in its region
Mineral County's 52.83 score is notably lower than Marshall County (56.81), Mason County (57.44), and Monongalia County (71.53) in the surrounding area. Only Monroe County's very low 28.28 ranks significantly safer in the regional context.
Flooding and hurricanes outpace other hazards
Mineral County's flood risk of 74.24 is the dominant hazard, while hurricane risk of 59.70 ranks second. The county's wildfire (25.80), tornado (18.54), and earthquake (32.35) risks all remain comparatively low.
Flood insurance is the primary insurance need
With flood risk at 74.24, flood insurance is the critical coverage priority, especially for properties in or near floodplain zones. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage, providing adequate protection against the county's moderate hurricane and tornado risks.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Mineral County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Mineral County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Mineral County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 53th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Mineral County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Mineral County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (32th percentile), wildfire (26th percentile), tornado (19th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Mineral County's top hazard at the 74th 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. Alongside flooding, hurricane exposure at the 60th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Households across Mineral 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
Mineral County's risk score is broadly comparable to the West Virginia county average, with a 3.6-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Mineral County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Mineral County, WV?
What types of natural hazards affect Mineral County?
How does Mineral County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
Is Mineral County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Mineral 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.