Monroe County Disaster Risk
Monroe County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
28th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#44
of 55 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
49th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Monroe County, West Virginia
Monroe County has very low national disaster risk
Monroe County's composite risk score of 28.28 ranks it in the "Very Low" category—the lowest rating and far below West Virginia's state average of 49.21. The county is among the safest in the nation by overall hazard exposure, exceeding baseline protections significantly.
Safest county in West Virginia
Monroe County ranks as the lowest-risk county in West Virginia by a substantial margin, with its 28.28 score far below the state average. No other West Virginia county approaches Monroe's exceptional safety profile across hazard categories.
Far safer than all surrounding counties
Monroe County's score of 28.28 is dramatically lower than Mercer County (65.24), McDowell County (76.65), and all other regional peers. The county's exceptional safety makes it a clear outlier among West Virginia's hazard-exposed jurisdictions.
All hazard risks remain comparatively low
Monroe County's highest hazard scores are wildfire (50.25) and earthquake (44.15), both still below the state average and considered low in national context. Tornado risk of 9.70 is among the lowest in the state, and flood risk of 49.27 remains moderate rather than acute.
Standard homeowners insurance likely sufficient
Monroe County's low overall risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most properties. Those in specific flood zones should still verify flood insurance availability, but the county's 49.27 flood score suggests lower urgency than most West Virginia counties.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Monroe County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Monroe County
Risk Verdict
At the 28th percentile nationally, Monroe County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Residents of Monroe County can use the 28th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Monroe County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 50th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 49th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (46th percentile), earthquake (44th percentile), tornado (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Monroe County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 50th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Monroe County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 49th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Monroe County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 20.9 points below the West Virginia state average puts Monroe County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Monroe County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Monroe County, WV?
What types of natural hazards affect Monroe County?
How does Monroe County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
Is Monroe County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Monroe County a safe place to live?
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.