Northampton County, North Carolina Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NC
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 44th
Northampton County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 44.2, 44th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $8M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Northampton County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 44.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 44th 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 drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $881K in expected annual loss and about 7.24 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.21 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $96K in expected annual loss and about 4.26 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $8M in expected annual loss for a population of 17K.
Beyond physical exposure, Northampton County has a very high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a 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.
The federal record bears this out: Northampton County has received 25 federal disaster declarations since 1988, including 15 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, Northampton County ranks #83 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 7.24 / yr | $881K |
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.21 / yr | $2M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 4.26 / yr | $96K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.32 / yr | $871K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $159K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 6.26 / yr | $212K |
| Hail | Low | 2.63 / yr | $130K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.54 / yr | $3M |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.98 / yr | $32K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.61 / yr | $188K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.53 / yr | $243K |
| Lightning | Low | 46.53 / yr | $63K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $6K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.09 / yr | $102 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $42 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Northampton County has received 25 federal disaster declarations since 1988, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (15), 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 25 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Northampton County?
Northampton County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 44.2 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 44th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Northampton County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $881K EAL), Hurricane (Medium, $2M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $96K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Northampton County compare to other North Carolina counties?
Northampton County ranks #83 of 100 North Carolina counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Northampton County had?
FEMA records 25 federal disaster declarations for Northampton County since 1988, most often 15 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. Northampton County's $8M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.