New Kent County, Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · VA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 14th
New Kent County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 14.1, 14th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $7M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates New Kent County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 14.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 14th 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 drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 3.73 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $551K 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 — $218K in expected annual loss and about 3.69 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $7M in expected annual loss for a population of 23K.
Beyond physical exposure, New Kent County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very 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: New Kent County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 10 for hurricane events and 3 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 133 Virginia counties, New Kent County ranks #94 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 3.73 / yr | $2M |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.15 / yr | $551K |
| Coastal Flood | Low | 3.69 / yr | $218K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.19 / yr | $1K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $204K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 5.44 / yr | $201K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 1.15 / yr | $45K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $15K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.14 / yr | $455K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.61 / yr | $289K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 4.80 / yr | $27K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.57 / yr | $3M |
| Lightning | Very Low | 43.26 / yr | $79K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.26 / yr | $40K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.58 / yr | $21K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
New Kent County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (10), Severe Storm (3), Snowstorm (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| 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 |
| September 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Florence |
| November 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| July 2012 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds |
| September 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
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 New Kent County?
New Kent County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 14.1 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 14th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in New Kent County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $2M EAL), Hurricane (Low, $551K EAL), Coastal Flood (Low, $218K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does New Kent County compare to other Virginia counties?
New Kent County ranks #94 of 133 Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has New Kent County had?
FEMA records 22 federal disaster declarations for New Kent County since 1977, most often 10 for hurricane events and 3 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. New Kent County's $7M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.