Jefferson County, West Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WV
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 48th
Jefferson County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 47.8, 48th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $19M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Jefferson County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 47.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 48th 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $906K in expected annual loss and about 4.40 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $660K in expected annual loss and about 0.09 events per year; and strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 7.13 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $19M in expected annual loss for a population of 57K.
Beyond physical exposure, Jefferson 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.
History supports the rating: Jefferson County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 6 for severe storm events and 4 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 55 West Virginia counties, Jefferson County ranks #29 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 4.40 / yr | $906K |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.09 / yr | $660K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 7.13 / yr | $1M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.93 / yr | $13M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $658K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 3.69 / yr | $747K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 13.06 / yr | $102K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.12 / yr | $3K |
| Lightning | Low | 37.58 / yr | $279K |
| Hail | Low | 3.71 / yr | $274K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.13 / yr | $908K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $11K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $46 |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.66 / yr | $11K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 1.79 / yr | $146K |
| 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
Jefferson County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (6), Snowstorm (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 |
| July 2012 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds |
| June 2012 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms |
| April 2010 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorms |
| March 2010 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, and |
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 Jefferson County?
Jefferson County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 47.8 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 48th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Jefferson County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $906K EAL), Hurricane (Low, $660K EAL), Strong Wind (Medium, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Jefferson County compare to other West Virginia counties?
Jefferson County ranks #29 of 55 West Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Jefferson County had?
FEMA records 19 federal disaster declarations for Jefferson County since 1972, most often 6 for severe storm events and 4 for snowstorm 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. Jefferson County's $19M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.