Martin County, North Carolina Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NC
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 65th
Martin County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 65.5, 65th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $21M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Martin County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 65.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 65th 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.
Most of Martin County's expected losses come from hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $11M in expected annual loss and about 0.27 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $179K 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 — $786K in expected annual loss and about 6.11 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $21M in expected annual loss for a population of 22K.
Beyond physical exposure, Martin County has a high 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). That combination — a more vulnerable population with limited resilience — can amplify the human cost of any given event.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Martin County has received 23 federal disaster declarations since 1968, including 16 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, Martin County ranks #61 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.27 / yr | $11M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 3.32 / yr | $179K |
| Drought | Medium | 6.11 / yr | $786K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.29 / yr | $1M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 7.53 / yr | $427K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.57 / yr | $6M |
| Hail | Low | 2.72 / yr | $186K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $130K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.61 / yr | $40K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $17K |
| Lightning | Low | 49.05 / yr | $111K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.82 / yr | $283K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.80 / yr | $5K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.42 / yr | $225K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $92 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Martin County has received 23 federal disaster declarations since 1968, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (16), 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 |
| September 2019 | Hurricane | Hurricane Dorian |
| September 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Florence |
| October 2016 | Hurricane | Hurricane Matthew |
Showing the 10 most recent of 23 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Martin County?
Martin County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 65.5 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 65th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Martin County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Medium, $11M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $179K EAL), Drought (Medium, $786K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Martin County compare to other North Carolina counties?
Martin County ranks #61 of 100 North Carolina counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Martin County had?
FEMA records 23 federal disaster declarations for Martin County since 1968, most often 16 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. Martin County's $21M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.