Dillon County

South Carolina — Natural Disaster Risk Assessment

Medium

Composite Risk Score

84.3

National percentile: 84th

Dillon County faces medium composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 84.3, 84th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and strong wind exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $35M.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025

Expected Annual Loss $35M Annualized county-level EAL
Social Vulnerability Very High Population sensitivity
Community Resilience Low Capacity to recover
Population 28K Latest estimate

Top Hazards

Hurricane
High $20M/yr
Strong Wind
High $1M/yr
Earthquake
Low $2M/yr

All 18 Hazard Risks

Hurricane High 0.25 / yr $20M
Strong Wind High 3.59 / yr $1M
Earthquake Low 0.00 / yr $2M
Wildfire Low 0.00 / yr $310K
Tornado Medium 0.22 / yr $3M
Ice Storm Medium 0.78 / yr $239K
Cold Wave Low 0.47 / yr $1M
Heat Wave Low 8.00 / yr $412K
Riverine Flood Low 0.18 / yr $6M
Hail Low 3.43 / yr $261K
Lightning Medium 56.44 / yr $211K
Winter Weather Low 2.47 / yr $46K
Drought Low 14.73 / yr $79K
Landslide Very Low 0.07 / yr $51
Avalanche Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Coastal Flood Very Low 0.01 / yr $0
Tsunami Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Volcanic Activity Very Low 0.00 / yr $0

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall natural disaster risk for Dillon County?

Dillon County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 84.3 out of 100, placing it in the Medium category and the 84th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.

What are the top natural hazards in Dillon County?

The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (High, $20M EAL), Strong Wind (High, $1M EAL), Earthquake (Low, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.

How does Dillon County compare to other South Carolina counties?

Dillon County ranks #17 of 46 South Carolina counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a medium rating.

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. Dillon County's $35M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.