North Carolina natural disaster risk
North Carolina ranks #30 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are ice storm, riverine flooding, hurricane.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in North Carolina's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wake County | 1,178,653 | 95.5 | Relatively High |
| Mecklenburg County | 1,154,681 | 97.1 | Relatively High |
| Guilford County | 547,940 | 93.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Forsyth County | 389,977 | 91.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Cumberland County | 338,545 | 89.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Durham County | 332,353 | 89.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Buncombe County | 274,360 | 89.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Union County | 250,958 | 89.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Cabarrus County | 236,133 | 87.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| New Hanover County | 235,229 | 96.1 | Relatively High |
| Gaston County | 234,881 | 84.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Johnston County | 234,263 | 85.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Onslow County | 207,906 | 95.0 | Relatively High |
| Iredell County | 196,544 | 80.8 | Relatively Low |
| Pitt County | 177,193 | 89.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Alamance County | 176,893 | 77.1 | Relatively Low |
| Davidson County | 172,954 | 87.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Catawba County | 163,573 | 80.6 | Relatively Low |
| Brunswick County | 152,568 | 95.8 | Relatively High |
| Rowan County | 149,875 | 82.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Orange County | 149,678 | 79.1 | Relatively Low |
| Randolph County | 146,348 | 80.6 | Relatively Low |
| Harnett County | 139,150 | 75.3 | Relatively Low |
| Wayne County | 118,652 | 90.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Henderson County | 118,484 | 83.8 | Relatively Moderate |
County scores are averages, and the insurance figure above is what owners with a mortgage reported paying in 2024 (Census American Community Survey); premiums have risen since, especially in high-risk areas. For a specific home, check the address on FEMA's flood map and get insurance quotes before you commit. Our guide explains how to check natural disaster risk before you move.
Lowest-risk counties in North Carolina
- Currituck County 18.1
- Caswell County 22.4
- Madison County 27.4
- Yadkin County 38.4
- Stokes County 39.7
- Person County 41.5
- Davie County 41.7
- Alexander County 45.8
Cities in North Carolina
- Charlotte, NC risk 89.2
- Virginia Beach, VA risk 61.5
- Raleigh, NC risk 91.9
- Greensboro, NC risk 88.5
- Winston-Salem, NC risk 81
- Durham, NC risk 80.9
- Wilmington, NC risk 94.7
- Asheville, NC risk 84.5
- Fayetteville, NC risk 84.2
- Jacksonville, NC risk 95
Frequently asked questions
Is North Carolina safe from natural disasters?
North Carolina's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 83.6 out of 100 (among the highest of U.S. counties), #30 of 51 from safest. About 27% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in North Carolina?
The highest relative risks in North Carolina are ice storm, riverine flooding, hurricane (national percentile scores 85, 85, 84).
Where is the safest place to live in North Carolina?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Currituck County, Caswell County, Madison County.