South Carolina natural disaster risk
South Carolina ranks #35 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are ice storm, earthquake, hurricane.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in South Carolina's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville County | 548,166 | 94.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| Richland County | 422,117 | 93.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Charleston County | 420,264 | 98.6 | Relatively High |
| Horry County | 383,016 | 98.2 | Relatively High |
| Spartanburg County | 347,852 | 90.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Lexington County | 304,887 | 90.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| York County | 293,673 | 88.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Berkeley County | 246,802 | 94.8 | Relatively High |
| Anderson County | 210,478 | 87.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Beaufort County | 195,289 | 97.1 | Relatively High |
| Aiken County | 174,160 | 84.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Dorchester County | 167,201 | 93.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Florence County | 137,117 | 89.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Pickens County | 134,629 | 77.6 | Relatively Low |
| Sumter County | 104,725 | 81.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Lancaster County | 104,475 | 79.4 | Relatively Low |
| Orangeburg County | 83,253 | 87.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Oconee County | 80,469 | 85.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Greenwood County | 69,489 | 72.7 | Relatively Low |
| Laurens County | 68,666 | 76.2 | Relatively Low |
| Kershaw County | 68,314 | 66.7 | Relatively Low |
| Georgetown County | 64,811 | 92.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Darlington County | 62,558 | 72.3 | Relatively Low |
| Cherokee County | 56,647 | 69.7 | Relatively Low |
| Chesterfield County | 43,784 | 74.0 | Relatively Low |
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 South Carolina
- Edgefield County 22.0
- Fairfield County 40.8
- Chester County 43.2
- Abbeville County 45.4
- Barnwell County 45.8
- Marlboro County 57.5
- Union County 58.2
- Newberry County 62.0
Cities in South Carolina
- Charlotte, NC risk 89.2
- Greenville, SC risk 88.9
- Columbia, SC risk 86.5
- Charleston, SC risk 96.5
- Augusta, GA risk 75.8
- Myrtle Beach, SC risk 98.2
- Spartanburg, SC risk 88.2
- Hilton Head Island, SC risk 94.7
Frequently asked questions
Is South Carolina safe from natural disasters?
South Carolina's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 87.1 out of 100 (among the highest of U.S. counties), #35 of 51 from safest. About 23% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in South Carolina?
The highest relative risks in South Carolina are ice storm, earthquake, hurricane (national percentile scores 91, 90, 88).
Where is the safest place to live in South Carolina?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Edgefield County, Fairfield County, Chester County.