Northampton County, Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · VA
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 44th
Northampton County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 44.5, 44th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and strong wind exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $9M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Northampton County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 44.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 44th 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.
Risk here concentrates in drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 1.11 events per year; strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.60 events per year; and hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 0.25 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $9M in expected annual loss for a population of 12K.
Beyond physical exposure, Northampton County has a very high 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). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
History supports the rating: Northampton County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 11 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, Northampton County ranks #48 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 1.11 / yr | $1M |
| Strong Wind | High | 0.60 / yr | $1M |
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.25 / yr | $5M |
| Coastal Flood | Low | 3.72 / yr | $245K |
| Hail | Low | 1.17 / yr | $98K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.43 / yr | $104K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $63K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $9K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.68 / yr | $247K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.18 / yr | $18K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.28 / yr | $201K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 35.72 / yr | $31K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.36 / yr | $1M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $9 |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 4.01 / yr | $3K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Northampton County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (11), Severe Storm (3), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| 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 |
| November 2011 | Earthquake | Earthquake |
| September 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| August 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 Northampton County?
Northampton County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 44.5 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 44th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Northampton County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $1M EAL), Strong Wind (High, $1M EAL), Hurricane (Medium, $5M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Northampton County compare to other Virginia counties?
Northampton County ranks #48 of 133 Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Northampton County had?
FEMA records 22 federal disaster declarations for Northampton County since 1972, most often 11 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. Northampton County's $9M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.