Morgan County Disaster Risk
Morgan County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
30th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#42
of 55 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
56th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Morgan County, West Virginia
Morgan County's Low Risk Profile
Morgan County's composite risk score of 30.44 places it well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" rating. The county faces significantly lower overall natural disaster exposure than most American communities, making it one of the safer places to live in terms of major environmental hazards.
Among West Virginia's Safest Counties
Morgan County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in West Virginia, with its 30.44 score substantially below the state average of 49.21. This safety advantage means residents enjoy considerably lower exposure to the natural disasters that affect much of the state.
Safer Than Surrounding Areas
Morgan County's risk profile is notably lower than neighboring Ohio County (69.82) and Putnam County (74.01), both significantly above the state average. Its low score reflects geographic advantages that shield it from many hazards affecting adjacent counties in the region.
Main Hazards: Hurricane and Flood
While Morgan County's overall risk is low, hurricane exposure (62.62) and flood risk (55.88) represent its primary natural hazards—though both remain below state averages. Earthquake risk (30.38) is moderate, while tornado and wildfire threats are minimal across the county.
Essential Coverage for Your Home
Residents should prioritize flood insurance given the 55.88 flood risk score and ensure standard homeowners policies cover wind damage from hurricanes. Even in low-risk areas, disaster preparedness and appropriate insurance remain smart investments for peace of mind.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Morgan County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Morgan County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Morgan County ranks at the 30th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. A 30th percentile score positions Morgan County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Morgan County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 63th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 56th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (30th percentile), wildfire (20th percentile), tornado (18th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With hurricane ranked at the 63th percentile nationally, Morgan County sits in a zone where multi-day supply readiness matters: grid outages after landfalling storms can last one to three weeks in heavily affected areas. Flood at the 56th percentile nationally is Morgan County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Insurance gaps are the most common post-hurricane financial shock: standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood damage and may have a separate wind deductible. Morgan County households benefit from a pre-season insurance review confirming both wind and flood coverage.
Regional Context
At 18.8 points below the West Virginia state average, Morgan County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Morgan County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Morgan County, WV?
What types of natural hazards affect Morgan County?
How does Morgan County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
Is Morgan County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Morgan 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.