Salem City, Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · VA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 19th
Salem City faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 18.6, 19th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and earthquake exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $9M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Salem City at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 18.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 19th 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 hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Very Low risk — $205K in expected annual loss and about 0.05 events per year; earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Very Low risk — $336K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Low risk — $7M in expected annual loss and about 0.86 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $9M in expected annual loss for a population of 25K.
Beyond physical exposure, Salem City 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.
The federal record bears this out: Salem City has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 3 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, Salem City ranks #82 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $205K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $336K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.86 / yr | $7M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 3.38 / yr | $479K |
| Lightning | Low | 44.61 / yr | $154K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $317 |
| Winter Weather | Low | 9.53 / yr | $32K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 2.89 / yr | $243K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.55 / yr | $10K |
| Hail | Very Low | 4.13 / yr | $54K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $133K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.53 / yr | $27K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $692 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 1.66 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Salem City has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (3), Severe Storm (3), Flood (3).
| 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 |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| July 2012 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| October 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding From the Remanants of Hurricane Jeanne |
| March 2003 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm, Record/Near Record Snowfall, Heavy Rain,Floodind, and Mudslide |
| January 1996 | Snowstorm | Blizzard of 96 (Severe Snow Storm) |
Showing the 10 most recent of 14 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Salem City?
Salem City has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 18.6 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 19th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Salem City?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Very Low, $205K EAL), Earthquake (Very Low, $336K EAL), Riverine Flood (Low, $7M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Salem City compare to other Virginia counties?
Salem City ranks #82 of 133 Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Salem City had?
FEMA records 14 federal disaster declarations for Salem City since 1972, most often 3 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. Salem City's $9M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.