Highland County, Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · VA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 3th
Highland County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 2.5, 3th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and avalanche exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $2M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Highland County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 2.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 3rd 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.
Most of Highland County's expected losses come from landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $15K in expected annual loss and about 1.02 events per year; avalanche (fast-moving snow and debris sliding down steep mountain slopes) at Very Low risk — $2K in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Low risk — $294K in expected annual loss and about 3.88 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $2M in expected annual loss for a population of 2K.
Beyond physical exposure, Highland County has a medium 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.
The federal record bears this out: Highland County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 6 for hurricane events and 5 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 133 Virginia counties, Highland County ranks #129 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Landslide | Low | 1.02 / yr | $15K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $2K |
| Drought | Low | 3.88 / yr | $294K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $34K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 7.46 / yr | $283K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 39.79 / yr | $50K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $13K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 22.61 / yr | $9K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.61 / yr | $1M |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 1.74 / yr | $47K |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.74 / yr | $18K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.30 / yr | $1K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $7K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $555 |
| 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
Highland County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (6), Snowstorm (5), Severe Storm (5).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Florence |
| March 2016 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| November 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| July 2012 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds |
| April 2010 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorms |
| February 2010 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
Showing the 10 most recent of 22 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Highland County?
Highland County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 2.5 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 3th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Highland County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Low, $15K EAL), Avalanche (Very Low, $2K EAL), Drought (Low, $294K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Highland County compare to other Virginia counties?
Highland County ranks #129 of 133 Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Highland County had?
FEMA records 22 federal disaster declarations for Highland County since 1977, most often 6 for hurricane events and 5 for snowstorm 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. Highland County's $2M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.