Southampton County, Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · VA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 30th
Southampton County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 29.8, 30th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hurricane 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 Southampton County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 29.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 30th 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.
Most of Southampton County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 3.83 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.22 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Low risk — $58K in expected annual loss and about 4.41 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $9M in expected annual loss for a population of 18K.
Beyond physical exposure, Southampton County has a medium 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 county's disaster history tells the same story: Southampton County has received 13 federal disaster declarations since 1993, including 7 for hurricane events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 133 Virginia counties, Southampton County ranks #64 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 3.83 / yr | $1M |
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.22 / yr | $3M |
| Winter Weather | Low | 4.41 / yr | $58K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 6.62 / yr | $259K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $161K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.33 / yr | $122K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.75 / yr | $3M |
| Ice Storm | Low | 1.03 / yr | $27K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.35 / yr | $296K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.62 / yr | $187K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $453 |
| Lightning | Very Low | 45.90 / yr | $67K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.47 / yr | $206K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.12 / yr | $67 |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $5K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Southampton County has received 13 federal disaster declarations since 1993, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (7), Biological (2), Snowstorm (2).
| 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 |
| November 2016 | Hurricane | Hurricane Matthew |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| September 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| September 2003 | Hurricane | Hurricane Isabel |
| February 2000 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
Showing the 10 most recent of 13 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Southampton County?
Southampton County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 29.8 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 30th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Southampton County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $1M EAL), Hurricane (Medium, $3M EAL), Winter Weather (Low, $58K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Southampton County compare to other Virginia counties?
Southampton County ranks #64 of 133 Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Southampton County had?
FEMA records 13 federal disaster declarations for Southampton County since 1993, most often 7 for hurricane events and 2 for biological 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. Southampton County's $9M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.