Raleigh County Disaster Risk
Raleigh County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
66th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#17
of 55 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
81th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Raleigh County, West Virginia
Raleigh faces above-average disaster risk
Raleigh County's composite risk score of 65.52 places it well above the national average, indicating elevated exposure to multiple hazards. This rating reflects significant vulnerability to flooding and earthquakes compared to most U.S. counties, though tornado risk remains relatively modest at 15.59.
Highest risk county in West Virginia
Raleigh County ranks as West Virginia's most disaster-prone county, with a composite risk score of 65.52 compared to the state average of 49.21. This 33% elevation above state peers reflects the county's particular susceptibility to flood and wildfire events.
Significantly riskier than neighboring counties
Raleigh's 65.52 risk score far exceeds nearby Summers County (40.24) and Fayette County neighbors, making it a regional outlier for disaster exposure. The county's flood risk of 80.92 is particularly severe compared to most surrounding areas.
Flooding and earthquakes dominate hazard profile
Raleigh County faces critical flood risk scoring 80.92—among the highest in the nation—with earthquake risk at 70.39 also presenting substantial concern. Wildfire risk at 75.10 rounds out the county's top three hazards, each requiring distinct preparation strategies.
Flood insurance essential for Raleigh residents
Given the county's exceptional flood risk, residents should prioritize comprehensive flood insurance, which standard homeowner policies do not cover. Earthquake insurance and wildfire preparedness plans are equally critical given the county's elevated exposure to these hazards.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Raleigh County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Raleigh County
Risk Verdict
Raleigh County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 66th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Raleigh County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Raleigh County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 75th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (70th percentile), hurricane (53th percentile), tornado (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 81th percentile nationally, Raleigh 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. Alongside flooding, wildfire exposure at the 75th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. 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 Raleigh County households.
Regional Context
A composite score 16.3 points above the West Virginia state average puts Raleigh County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Raleigh County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Raleigh County, WV?
What types of natural hazards affect Raleigh County?
How does Raleigh County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
Is Raleigh County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Raleigh 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.