Pleasants County, West Virginia Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WV
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 20th
Pleasants County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 20.3, 20th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and riverine flood exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $6M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Pleasants County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 20.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 20th 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 landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $12K in expected annual loss and about 0.31 events per year; riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Low risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 0.89 events per year; and hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Very Low risk — $30K in expected annual loss and about 0.03 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $6M in expected annual loss for a population of 8K.
Beyond physical exposure, Pleasants County has a high 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). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
History supports the rating: Pleasants County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1993, including 4 for severe storm events and 3 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 55 West Virginia counties, Pleasants County ranks #49 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Landslide | Low | 0.31 / yr | $12K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.89 / yr | $5M |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $30K |
| Lightning | Low | 46.04 / yr | $86K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.35 / yr | $23K |
| Drought | Very Low | 3.05 / yr | $10K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 2.95 / yr | $46K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $25 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $13K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.49 / yr | $34K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $75K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 1.01 / yr | $71K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 1.47 / yr | $79K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 8.26 / yr | $3K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $962 |
| 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
Pleasants County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1993, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (4), Flood (3), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| April 2018 | Mud/Landslide | Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| May 2015 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| May 2015 | Flood | 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 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
Showing the 10 most recent of 15 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Pleasants County?
Pleasants County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 20.3 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 20th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Pleasants County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Low, $12K EAL), Riverine Flood (Low, $5M EAL), Hurricane (Very Low, $30K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Pleasants County compare to other West Virginia counties?
Pleasants County ranks #49 of 55 West Virginia counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Pleasants County had?
FEMA records 15 federal disaster declarations for Pleasants County since 1993, most often 4 for severe storm events and 3 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. Pleasants County's $6M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.