Hampshire County, West Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WV
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 38th
Hampshire County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 38.0, 38th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $10M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Hampshire County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 38.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 38th 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 Hampshire County's expected losses come from landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Medium risk — $46K in expected annual loss and about 1.41 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $328K in expected annual loss and about 0.04 events per year; and avalanche (fast-moving snow and debris sliding down steep mountain slopes) at Very Low risk — $2K in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $10M in expected annual loss for a population of 23K.
Beyond physical exposure, Hampshire County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very low 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: Hampshire County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1967, including 4 for severe storm events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 55 West Virginia counties, Hampshire County ranks #36 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Landslide | Medium | 1.41 / yr | $46K |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.04 / yr | $328K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $2K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.89 / yr | $9M |
| Drought | Low | 3.82 / yr | $229K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $55K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 4.01 / yr | $389K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 14.27 / yr | $40K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $84K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.49 / yr | $108K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.84 / yr | $96K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.22 / yr | $206K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 37.95 / yr | $58K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 2.48 / yr | $107K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.33 / yr | $5K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Hampshire County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1967, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (4), Flood (4), Hurricane (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| July 2018 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| June 2012 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms |
| April 2010 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorms |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| September 2003 | Hurricane | Hurricane Isabel |
| March 2003 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm, Record/Near Record Snow, Heavy Rains, Flooding and Landslides |
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 Hampshire County?
Hampshire County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 38.0 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 38th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Hampshire County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Medium, $46K EAL), Hurricane (Low, $328K EAL), Avalanche (Very Low, $2K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Hampshire County compare to other West Virginia counties?
Hampshire County ranks #36 of 55 West Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Hampshire County had?
FEMA records 19 federal disaster declarations for Hampshire County since 1967, most often 4 for severe storm events and 4 for flood 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. Hampshire County's $10M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.