Davie County, North Carolina Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NC
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 42th
Davie County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 41.7, 42th national percentile), driven primarily by ice storm and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $13M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Davie County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 41.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 42nd national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
The county's risk is driven primarily by ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at High risk — $637K in expected annual loss and about 1.98 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $597K in expected annual loss and about 0.08 events per year; and riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Low risk — $9M in expected annual loss and about 0.39 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $13M in expected annual loss for a population of 43K.
Beyond physical exposure, Davie County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
The federal record bears this out: Davie County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 8 for hurricane events and 4 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 100 North Carolina counties, Davie County ranks #85 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Ice Storm | High | 1.98 / yr | $637K |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.08 / yr | $597K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.39 / yr | $9M |
| Drought | Low | 26.49 / yr | $222K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $365K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.53 / yr | $1M |
| Hail | Low | 4.99 / yr | $163K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.10 / yr | $763K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 7.05 / yr | $36K |
| Lightning | Low | 49.71 / yr | $125K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 2.40 / yr | $324K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.37 / yr | $148K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.23 / yr | $324 |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $10K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Davie County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (8), Snowstorm (4), Tropical Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2024 | Tropical Storm | Hurricane Helene |
| August 2024 | Tropical Storm | Tropical Storm Debby |
| October 2022 | Hurricane | Hurricane Ian |
| March 2021 | Severe Storm | Tropical Storm Eta |
| August 2020 | Hurricane | Hurricane Isaias |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2019 | Hurricane | Hurricane Dorian |
| January 2019 | Hurricane | Tropical Storm Michael |
Showing the 10 most recent of 22 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Davie County?
Davie County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 41.7 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 42th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Davie County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Ice Storm (High, $637K EAL), Hurricane (Low, $597K EAL), Riverine Flood (Low, $9M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Davie County compare to other North Carolina counties?
Davie County ranks #85 of 100 North Carolina counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Davie County had?
FEMA records 22 federal disaster declarations for Davie County since 1977, most often 8 for hurricane events and 4 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm, declared in January 2026.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Davie County's $13M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.