Wyoming County Disaster Risk
Wyoming County, West Virginia
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
67th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#16
of 55 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
83th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% 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 9% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Wyoming County, West Virginia
Wyoming County carries above-average risk
Wyoming County's composite risk score of 67.37 sits 37% above West Virginia's state average of 49.21 and well above the national average. This elevated risk profile reflects particularly acute exposure to wildfires and flooding that compound the county's disaster vulnerability.
Upper tier of risk among West Virginia counties
Wyoming County ranks among the top 15% most vulnerable counties in West Virginia's 55-county system, reflecting significant natural hazard exposure. Only counties like Wood and Wayne carry meaningfully higher composite risk scores in the state.
Riskier than most Appalachian neighbors
Wyoming's 67.37 score substantially exceeds Upshur County (44.85), Wetzel County (56.90), and dramatically outpaces Webster (35.27) and Wirt (9.03) counties. The gap primarily reflects Wyoming's outsized wildfire risk of 74.52—among West Virginia's highest—combined with severe flood exposure of 82.70.
Wildfire and flooding drive risk profile
Wyoming County faces extreme exposure to wildfire (74.52) and flood (82.70) risks, ranking among the state's highest for both hazards. Tornado risk adds a secondary concern at 9.16, though the dual wildfire-flood threat dominates the county's disaster preparedness agenda.
Prioritize wildfire and flood protection
Wyoming residents should immediately secure both flood insurance and comprehensive homeowners coverage that includes wildfire protection. Implement property hardening measures like fire-resistant roofing, clear vegetation buffers around structures, and ensure grading slopes away from foundations to minimize combined fire and water exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Wyoming County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Wyoming County
Risk Verdict
Wyoming County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 67th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Wyoming County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Wyoming County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 75th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (51th percentile), earthquake (41th percentile), tornado (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 83th percentile nationally, Wyoming 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. The county's second-ranked hazard, wildfire at the 75th percentile nationally, means Wyoming County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. 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 Wyoming County households.
Regional Context
A composite score 18.2 points above the West Virginia state average puts Wyoming County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Wyoming County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Wyoming County, WV?
What types of natural hazards affect Wyoming County?
How does Wyoming County risk compare to the West Virginia average?
Is Wyoming County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Wyoming 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.