Albemarle County, Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · VA
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 78th
Albemarle County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 78.1, 78th national percentile), driven primarily by strong wind and earthquake exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $40M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Albemarle County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 78.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 78th 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 strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 3.25 events per year; earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Medium risk — $27M in expected annual loss and about 3.39 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $40M in expected annual loss for a population of 112K.
Beyond physical exposure, Albemarle County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
History supports the rating: Albemarle County has received 25 federal disaster declarations since 1969, including 6 for hurricane events and 5 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 133 Virginia counties, Albemarle County ranks #9 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Strong Wind | High | 3.25 / yr | $2M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $3M |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 3.39 / yr | $27M |
| Landslide | Low | 1.83 / yr | $27K |
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.07 / yr | $3M |
| Drought | Medium | 4.39 / yr | $875K |
| Lightning | Medium | 41.30 / yr | $683K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 9.45 / yr | $136K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 3.78 / yr | $917K |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $120K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.89 / yr | $110K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.23 / yr | $1M |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $551 |
| Hail | Low | 2.51 / yr | $260K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 1.66 / yr | $96K |
| 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
Albemarle County has received 25 federal disaster declarations since 1969, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (6), Severe Storm (5), Snowstorm (5).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| October 2024 | Tropical Storm | Tropical Storm Helene |
| March 2022 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Florence |
| March 2016 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| July 2012 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds |
| November 2011 | Earthquake | Earthquake |
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 Albemarle County?
Albemarle County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 78.1 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 78th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Albemarle County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Strong Wind (High, $2M EAL), Earthquake (Low, $3M EAL), Riverine Flood (Medium, $27M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Albemarle County compare to other Virginia counties?
Albemarle County ranks #9 of 133 Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Albemarle County had?
FEMA records 25 federal disaster declarations for Albemarle County since 1969, most often 6 for hurricane events and 5 for severe 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. Albemarle County's $40M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.