Pocahontas County Disaster Risk
Pocahontas County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
28th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#45
of 55 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
54th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pocahontas County, West Virginia
Pocahontas County's Very Low Risk
Pocahontas County's composite risk score of 27.54 sits well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" rating. The county enjoys exceptional protection from major natural disasters compared to typical American communities.
Among West Virginia's Safest Areas
Pocahontas County's 27.54 score ranks it among the lowest-risk counties in West Virginia, significantly below the state average of 49.21. The county benefits from some of the best natural disaster protection in the state.
Competing for Regional Safest County
Pocahontas County's risk score rivals Pleasants County (20.26) and Morgan County (30.44) as the safest in its region. It substantially outperforms Preston County (33.84) and is far safer than Nicholas County (58.17) and Ohio County (69.82).
Flood Risk the Only Moderate Concern
Flood risk (54.23) is Pocahontas County's primary natural hazard, though it remains near state and national averages. Earthquake (23.06) and hurricane (48.10) exposures are modest, while wildfire (13.23) and tornado (5.60) risks are exceptionally low.
Standard Insurance Covers Your Needs
Pocahontas County residents should maintain basic homeowners insurance and may consider flood coverage depending on property location. The county's low overall risk profile means comprehensive disaster mitigation is unnecessary for most residents.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pocahontas County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pocahontas County
Risk Verdict
Pocahontas County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 28th percentile nationally. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Pocahontas County's favorable 28th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Pocahontas County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 54th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 48th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (23th percentile), wildfire (13th percentile), tornado (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Pocahontas County's top natural hazard is flood risk, ranked at the 54th 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. Alongside flooding, hurricane exposure at the 48th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. For most Pocahontas 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
The West Virginia county average exceeds Pocahontas County's score by 21.7 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Pocahontas County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pocahontas County, WV?
What types of natural hazards affect Pocahontas County?
How does Pocahontas County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
Is Pocahontas County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Pocahontas 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.