Prince George County, Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · VA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 14th
Prince George County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 13.9, 14th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $8M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Prince George County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 13.9 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.
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 5.18 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $841K in expected annual loss and about 0.18 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Very Low risk — $426K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $8M in expected annual loss for a population of 43K.
Beyond physical exposure, Prince George County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
The federal record bears this out: Prince George County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 7 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, Prince George County ranks #95 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 5.18 / yr | $2M |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.18 / yr | $841K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $426K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 4.58 / yr | $85K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 5.63 / yr | $396K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 3.69 / yr | $23K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 1.32 / yr | $72K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.16 / yr | $633K |
| Lightning | Low | 44.08 / yr | $139K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $273 |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $14K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.47 / yr | $408K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.65 / yr | $225K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.61 / yr | $3M |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.26 / yr | $61K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Prince George County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (7), 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 |
| September 2018 | Hurricane | Hurricane Florence |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| September 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| September 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes Associated W Td Gaston |
| September 2003 | Hurricane | Hurricane Isabel |
Showing the 10 most recent of 19 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Prince George County?
Prince George County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 13.9 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 Prince George County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $2M EAL), Hurricane (Low, $841K EAL), Earthquake (Very Low, $426K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Prince George County compare to other Virginia counties?
Prince George County ranks #95 of 133 Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Prince George County had?
FEMA records 19 federal disaster declarations for Prince George County since 1977, most often 7 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. Prince George County's $8M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.