Upshur County Disaster Risk
Upshur County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
45th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#31
of 55 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
68th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Upshur County, West Virginia
Upshur ranks below national risk average
With a composite risk score of 44.85, Upshur County sits comfortably below the national average and well below West Virginia's state average of 49.21. This relatively low profile means the county faces fewer compounded natural hazards than most U.S. counties, though localized flood risks still warrant attention.
Third-safest county in West Virginia
Upshur ranks third from the bottom among West Virginia's 55 counties for overall natural disaster risk. Only Webster and Wirt counties carry lower composite risk scores, positioning Upshur as one of the state's safer communities for natural hazards.
Safer than surrounding coal-region counties
Upshur's score of 44.85 outperforms neighboring Wetzel County (56.90) and Wyoming County (67.37), both of which face significantly higher wildfire and flood exposure. Compared to nearby Wood County's 79.83 risk score, Upshur residents experience markedly lower overall natural disaster vulnerability.
Flooding poses the clearest local threat
Flood risk dominates Upshur's hazard profile at 68.38—more than five times the county's wildfire risk of 10.72. Tornado and earthquake risks remain minimal at 12.79 and 33.37 respectively, leaving water management as the primary natural hazard concern for residents and planners.
Prioritize flood insurance for peace of mind
Despite low overall risk, Upshur's elevated flood score makes flood insurance a smart investment, especially for properties near streams and in valley communities. Standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood damage, so a separate federal or private flood policy can protect your home and finances when heavy rains occur.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Upshur County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Upshur County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 45th, Upshur County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. At the 45th percentile, Upshur County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Upshur County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 68th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 48th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (33th percentile), tornado (13th percentile), wildfire (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 68th percentile nationally, Upshur 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. The county's second-ranked hazard, hurricane at the 48th percentile nationally, means Upshur County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Registering for Upshur 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
Upshur County tracks the West Virginia county average closely, sitting 4.4 composite points below the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within West Virginia.
Is your household prepared for Upshur County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Upshur County, WV?
What types of natural hazards affect Upshur County?
How does Upshur County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
Is Upshur County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Upshur 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.