Randolph County Disaster Risk
Randolph County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
57th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#22
of 55 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
78th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Randolph County, West Virginia
Randolph faces moderate national risk levels
Randolph County's composite risk score of 57.06 places it moderately above the national average, driven primarily by flood vulnerability. The county's relatively low tornado risk of 9.13 and minimal wildfire exposure at 16.86 provide some protection compared to other regions.
Second-highest risk in West Virginia
Randolph County ranks second in disaster risk among West Virginia counties with a score of 57.06, exceeding the state average of 49.21 by 16%. The county's flood risk of 78.31 is the primary driver of this elevated ranking.
Riskier than most surrounding counties
Randolph's 57.06 score significantly outpaces nearby Tucker County (12.56) and Taylor County (23.51), reflecting the county's unique flood vulnerability. Only neighboring Raleigh County presents comparable or greater overall disaster risk in the region.
Flooding is Randolph's primary concern
Flooding dominates Randolph County's risk profile with a score of 78.31, making it the county's defining natural disaster threat. Earthquake risk at 33.91 and hurricane risk at 50.81 present secondary but meaningful hazards for residents.
Prioritize flood insurance and readiness
Randolph County residents in flood-prone areas must secure dedicated flood insurance, as standard homeowner policies exclude flood damage. Developing a family emergency plan and maintaining evacuation routes are equally important given the county's substantial flood exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Randolph County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Randolph County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 57th, Randolph County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Randolph County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 78th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 51th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (34th percentile), wildfire (17th percentile), tornado (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 78th percentile nationally, Randolph County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 51th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Registering for Randolph County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
At 7.8 points above the West Virginia state average, Randolph County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical West Virginia county.
Is your household prepared for Randolph County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Randolph County, WV?
What types of natural hazards affect Randolph County?
How does Randolph County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
Is Randolph County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Randolph 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.