Natural Disaster Risk in Balsam Grove
North Carolina
Risk Summary for Balsam Grove
Balsam Grove scores 5.9/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Landslide.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Balsam Grove, North Carolina
Balsam Grove, in Transylvania County, is a small unincorporated community situated in the interior eastern United States. Its humid subtropical climate brings hot, humid summers and four distinct seasons, and in particular a hurricane and tropical storm season affecting the coast. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Balsam Grove residents and property owners must navigate.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Balsam Grove carries an overall risk score of 5.9/10, placing it in the moderate category. Landslide and debris flow risk tops the local hazard profile, with steep terrain and periodic heavy rainfall creating conditions for rapid slope failure in vulnerable areas. The area also faces notable exposure to cold wave and ice storm.
Within North Carolina, Balsam Grove's risk is, near the 6.2/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Transylvania County identifies landslide as the foremost hazard, followed by cold wave and ice storm. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
Balsam Grove's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that landslide exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.
What this means for Balsam Grove: Landslide preparedness
- Have an evacuation plan ready during periods of intense or prolonged rainfall.
- Watch for warning signs such as new cracks, tilting trees, or changes in water drainage on slopes.
- Standard insurance generally excludes landslide and earth-movement damage — ask about specialized coverage.
Local Factors for Balsam Grove
These city-level factors differentiate Balsam Grove from other communities in Transylvania County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
456
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 35.3°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 5.1/10
Coordinates
35.2711° N, 82.8598° W
Transylvania 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 Grove
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Balsam Grove
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.