King William County, Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · VA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 8th
King William County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 8.3, 8th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $6M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in King William County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 8.3 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 4.48 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $459K in expected annual loss and about 0.15 events per year; and coastal flood (seawater inundation from storm surge, high tides, and rising sea levels) at Low risk — $206K in expected annual loss and about 3.69 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $6M in expected annual loss for a population of 18K.
Beyond physical exposure, King William County has a very 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: King William County has received 24 federal disaster declarations since 1969, including 10 for hurricane events and 4 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 133 Virginia counties, King William County ranks #112 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 4.48 / yr | $2M |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.15 / yr | $459K |
| Coastal Flood | Low | 3.69 / yr | $206K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $184K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.18 / yr | $553 |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 5.05 / yr | $161K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 1.15 / yr | $29K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.18 / yr | $333K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.54 / yr | $3M |
| Lightning | Very Low | 42.79 / yr | $70K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 1.68 / yr | $152K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 5.17 / yr | $9K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.29 / yr | $37K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.61 / yr | $13K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
King William County has received 24 federal disaster declarations since 1969, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (10), Severe Storm (4), Snowstorm (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| March 2022 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| May 2021 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| December 2018 | Hurricane | Tropical Storm Michael |
| October 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Florence |
| September 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Florence |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| September 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
Showing the 10 most recent of 24 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for King William County?
King William County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 8.3 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 King William County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $2M EAL), Hurricane (Low, $459K EAL), Coastal Flood (Low, $206K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does King William County compare to other Virginia counties?
King William County ranks #112 of 133 Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has King William County had?
FEMA records 24 federal disaster declarations for King William County since 1969, most often 10 for hurricane events and 4 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. King William County's $6M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.