Franklin City, Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · VA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 8th
Franklin City faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 7.5, 8th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $3M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Franklin City is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 7.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 8th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Risk here concentrates in hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.25 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Low risk — $35K in expected annual loss and about 4.39 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Very Low risk — $93K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $3M in expected annual loss for a population of 8K.
Beyond physical exposure, Franklin City has a high 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). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
History supports the rating: Franklin City has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1993, including 8 for hurricane events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 133 Virginia counties, Franklin City ranks #113 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Low | 0.25 / yr | $1M |
| Winter Weather | Low | 4.39 / yr | $35K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $93K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 6.58 / yr | $131K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.89 / yr | $18K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $175K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $2 |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.66 / yr | $87K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 46.42 / yr | $35K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.32 / yr | $1M |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.47 / yr | $77K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.06 / yr | $18K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $605 |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $1 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 2.22 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Franklin City has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1993, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (8), Biological (2), Snowstorm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Florence |
| September 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Florence |
| November 2016 | Hurricane | Hurricane Matthew |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| September 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| September 2003 | Hurricane | Hurricane Isabel |
Showing the 10 most recent of 14 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Franklin City?
Franklin City has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 7.5 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 8th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Franklin City?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Low, $1M EAL), Winter Weather (Low, $35K EAL), Earthquake (Very Low, $93K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Franklin City compare to other Virginia counties?
Franklin City ranks #113 of 133 Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Franklin City had?
FEMA records 14 federal disaster declarations for Franklin City since 1993, most often 8 for hurricane events and 2 for biological 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. Franklin City's $3M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.