West Virginia natural disaster risk
West Virginia ranks #7 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are landslide, riverine flooding, lightning.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in West Virginia's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kanawha County | 176,537 | 94.5 | Relatively High |
| Berkeley County | 129,514 | 68.3 | Relatively Low |
| Monongalia County | 107,163 | 71.5 | Relatively Low |
| Cabell County | 92,739 | 85.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Wood County | 83,407 | 79.8 | Relatively Low |
| Raleigh County | 73,195 | 65.5 | Relatively Low |
| Harrison County | 64,984 | 73.6 | Relatively Low |
| Jefferson County | 59,260 | 47.8 | Relatively Low |
| Mercer County | 58,563 | 65.2 | Relatively Low |
| Putnam County | 57,177 | 74.0 | Relatively Low |
| Marion County | 55,909 | 71.5 | Relatively Low |
| Ohio County | 41,582 | 69.8 | Relatively Low |
| Fayette County | 39,519 | 53.4 | Relatively Low |
| Wayne County | 38,164 | 79.8 | Relatively Low |
| Preston County | 34,160 | 33.8 | Very Low |
| Greenbrier County | 32,386 | 75.8 | Relatively Low |
| Logan County | 31,418 | 79.2 | Relatively Low |
| Marshall County | 29,865 | 56.8 | Relatively Low |
| Hancock County | 28,431 | 40.7 | Very Low |
| Jackson County | 27,705 | 56.5 | Relatively Low |
| Randolph County | 27,576 | 57.1 | Relatively Low |
| Mineral County | 26,854 | 52.8 | Relatively Low |
| Mason County | 25,043 | 57.4 | Relatively Low |
| Nicholas County | 24,277 | 58.2 | Relatively Low |
| Upshur County | 23,712 | 44.8 | 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 West Virginia
- Preston County 33.8
- Hampshire County 38.0
- Hancock County 40.7
- Upshur County 44.8
- Jefferson County 47.8
- Mineral County 52.8
- Fayette County 53.4
- Brooke County 54.2
Cities in West Virginia
- Washington, D.C. risk 82.9
Frequently asked questions
Is West Virginia safe from natural disasters?
West Virginia's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 64.4 out of 100 (above average for U.S. counties), #7 of 51 from safest. About 10% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in West Virginia?
The highest relative risks in West Virginia are landslide, riverine flooding, lightning (national percentile scores 87, 79, 60).
Where is the safest place to live in West Virginia?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Preston County, Hampshire County, Hancock County.