Taylor County Disaster Risk
Taylor County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
24th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#47
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 15% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Taylor County, West Virginia
Taylor ranks among nation's safer counties
Taylor County's composite risk score of 23.51 places it in the very low national risk category, offering residents exceptional protection from natural disasters. Wildfire risk of just 14.92 and minimal tornado exposure at 15.11 contribute to this favorable positioning.
Among West Virginia's safest counties
Taylor County ranks in the lower half of West Virginia's disaster risk with a score of 23.51, significantly below the state average of 49.21. Only a handful of counties in the state offer comparable protection from natural hazard exposure.
Safer than most surrounding areas
Taylor County's 23.51 score is substantially lower than neighboring Randolph County (57.06) and moderately safer than Harrison County peers. The county's low wildfire and tornado exposure make it distinctly protected compared to regional averages.
Flooding is Taylor's main hazard
Taylor County's primary natural disaster concern is flooding at 53.53, which remains moderate compared to state and national standards. All other hazards—wildfire, tornado, earthquake, and hurricane—score well below concerning thresholds.
Comprehensive coverage easily affordable here
Taylor County's low-risk profile means residents benefit from competitive insurance rates and minimal specialized coverage needs. Standard homeowner insurance is typically sufficient, though those in flood-susceptible areas should verify coverage before a weather event threatens.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Taylor County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Taylor County
Risk Verdict
At the 24th percentile nationally, Taylor County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. The 24th percentile national ranking is one lens; Taylor County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Taylor County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 54th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 45th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (21th percentile), tornado (15th percentile), wildfire (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Taylor County sits at the 54th percentile nationally for flood exposure. Knowing your property's flood zone designation — available at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — is the first step toward understanding actual exposure and insurance options. The county's second-ranked hazard, hurricane at the 45th percentile nationally, means Taylor County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Regardless of specific hazard, Taylor County households benefit from a practiced communication plan: a designated out-of-state contact and a pre-agreed evacuation destination established before the season's peak risk period.
Regional Context
A composite score 25.7 points below the West Virginia state average puts Taylor County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Taylor County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Taylor County, WV?
What types of natural hazards affect Taylor County?
How does Taylor County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
Is Taylor County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Taylor 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.