Greene County, North Carolina Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NC
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 63th
Greene County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 62.6, 63th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $14M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Greene County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 62.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 63rd national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. 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 hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $8M in expected annual loss and about 0.28 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $164K in expected annual loss and about 3.32 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $484K in expected annual loss and about 7.77 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $14M in expected annual loss for a population of 20K.
Beyond physical exposure, Greene County has a very high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very low community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). That combination — a more vulnerable population with limited resilience — can amplify the human cost of any given event.
History supports the rating: Greene County has received 27 federal disaster declarations since 1968, including 19 for hurricane events and 2 for tropical storm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 100 North Carolina counties, Greene County ranks #65 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.28 / yr | $8M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 3.32 / yr | $164K |
| Drought | Medium | 7.77 / yr | $484K |
| Hail | Low | 3.67 / yr | $236K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.19 / yr | $1M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 7.84 / yr | $318K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $150K |
| Lightning | Low | 49.99 / yr | $111K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.77 / yr | $35K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.95 / yr | $268K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.68 / yr | $3M |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.42 / yr | $280K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $9K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $722 |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $18 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Greene County has received 27 federal disaster declarations since 1968, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (19), Tropical Storm (2), Biological (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 |
| August 2020 | Hurricane | Hurricane Isaias |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 2019 | Hurricane | Hurricane Dorian |
| September 2019 | Hurricane | Hurricane Dorian |
| September 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Florence |
Showing the 10 most recent of 27 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Greene County?
Greene County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 62.6 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 63th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Greene County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Medium, $8M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $164K EAL), Drought (Medium, $484K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Greene County compare to other North Carolina counties?
Greene County ranks #65 of 100 North Carolina counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Greene County had?
FEMA records 27 federal disaster declarations for Greene County since 1968, most often 19 for hurricane events and 2 for tropical storm 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. Greene County's $14M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.