Nicholas County Disaster Risk
Nicholas County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
58th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#20
of 55 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
67th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Nicholas County, West Virginia
Nicholas County Slightly Above Average
Nicholas County's composite risk score of 58.17 sits above the national average, carrying a "Relatively Low" rating overall. The county faces moderate natural disaster exposure compared to typical American communities, with particular vulnerabilities in specific hazard categories.
Mid-Range Risk Within West Virginia
Nicholas County's 58.17 score exceeds the West Virginia state average of 49.21, placing it in the moderate-risk tier for the state. This positions the county as more exposed than many neighboring counties but still relatively safer than West Virginia's highest-risk areas.
More Vulnerable Than Many Neighbors
Nicholas County faces higher risk than Pocahontas County (27.54) and Preston County (33.84), but lower exposure than neighboring Putnam County (74.01). Its flood risk of 67.05 aligns it with other river-prone counties in the central state region.
Flooding and Wildfires Lead Hazards
Flood risk dominates Nicholas County's profile at 67.05, significantly above the state average, while wildfire risk (40.59) is also elevated relative to many state counties. Earthquake (39.54) and hurricane (46.14) risks are moderate, though tornado exposure remains low at just 9.67.
Prioritize Flood and Wildfire Coverage
Nicholas County residents should strongly consider flood insurance given the county's 67.05 flood risk score and elevated wildfire vulnerability. Homeowners policies should explicitly cover wildfire damage, and maintaining defensible space around properties is essential preparation.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Nicholas County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Nicholas County
Risk Verdict
Nicholas County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 58th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Nicholas County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Nicholas County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 67th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 46th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (41th percentile), earthquake (40th percentile), tornado (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 67th percentile nationally, Nicholas County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. The county's second-ranked hazard, hurricane at the 46th percentile nationally, means Nicholas County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Nicholas County households.
Regional Context
A composite score 9.0 points above the West Virginia state average puts Nicholas County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Nicholas County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Nicholas County, WV?
What types of natural hazards affect Nicholas County?
How does Nicholas County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
Is Nicholas County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Nicholas 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.