Wirt County Disaster Risk
Wirt County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
9th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#55
of 55 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
35th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Wirt County, West Virginia
Wirt County ranks among America's safest
Wirt County's composite risk score of just 9.03 ranks as West Virginia's lowest and sits dramatically below the national average. This very low risk profile means Wirt residents face substantially fewer natural disaster threats than almost any other U.S. county.
West Virginia's lowest-risk county
Wirt County sits at the absolute bottom of West Virginia's 55-county risk ranking with a composite score of 9.03. The county's exceptional safety reflects geographic isolation from major hazard zones and minimal exposure across virtually all disaster categories.
Dramatically safer than all surrounding counties
Wirt's 9.03 score towers above nearby Upshur County (44.85), Wetzel County (56.90), and Wood County (79.83), creating a pronounced safety island in the region. The county's isolation from major flood corridors and hazard zones gives it an unmistakable advantage over Appalachian neighbors.
No significant natural disaster threats
Wirt County faces minimal exposure across all major hazard categories: flood risk (35.50), wildfire risk (0.51), and tornado risk (7.22) all rank among West Virginia's lowest. The county's remarkably low composite score reflects genuinely safe conditions rather than incomplete data.
Standard coverage meets your needs
Wirt County residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance as a prudent baseline, though specialized disaster coverage carries minimal necessity. Focus protection investments on routine maintenance and standard hazard insurance rather than specialized flood or wildfire policies needed in higher-risk areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Wirt County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Wirt County
Risk Verdict
At the 9th percentile nationally, Wirt County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. A 9th percentile score positions Wirt County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Wirt County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 35th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 30th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (12th percentile), tornado (7th percentile), wildfire (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wirt County sits at the 35th 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. Alongside flooding, hurricane exposure at the 30th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Regardless of specific hazard, Wirt 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 40.2 points below the West Virginia state average puts Wirt County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Wirt County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Wirt County, WV?
What types of natural hazards affect Wirt County?
How does Wirt County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
Is Wirt County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Wirt 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.