Natural Disaster Risk in Balsam
North Carolina
Risk Summary for Balsam
Balsam scores 6.4/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Cold Wave.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Balsam, North Carolina
Balsam is a small unincorporated community in Jackson County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences hot, humid summers and four distinct seasons, with a hurricane and tropical storm season affecting the coast shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Balsam.
FEMA rates Balsam's composite natural disaster risk at 6.4 out of 10 — high risk. Cold wave events are the primary hazard risk, driven by periodic invasions of Arctic air that drive wind chills to life-threatening levels and stress heating systems. Residents should also account for landslide and lightning risk in their preparedness planning.
Balsam's risk score, near the 6.2/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Jackson County, the highest-scoring are cold wave, landslide, and lightning. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a high natural disaster risk rating, Balsam residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for cold wave and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.
What this means for Balsam: Cold Wave preparedness
- Protect pipes, pets, and plants, and ensure heating systems are serviced before winter.
- Keep emergency heat and supplies ready in case of cold-related power outages.
- Dress in layers and limit exposure during extreme cold to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
Local Factors for Balsam
These city-level factors differentiate Balsam from other communities in Jackson County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
461
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 35.4°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 5.3/10
Coordinates
35.3987° N, 83.0662° W
Jackson County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Balsam
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Balsam
Other cities in North Carolina
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.