Natural Disaster Risk in Beaufort County

Natural Hazard Profile: Beaufort County, North Carolina

Beaufort County is located in the United States in North Carolina, home to roughly 44,607 residents. The county experiences hot, humid summers and four distinct seasons, with a hurricane and tropical storm season affecting the coast shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Beaufort County carries an overall risk score of 6.6/10, placing it in the high category. Coastal flood risk defines the local natural hazard environment, with sea-level rise trends gradually increasing the frequency of tidal flooding events alongside storm surge threats. The area also faces notable exposure to hurricane and winter.

Beaufort County's risk score, near the 6.2/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Beaufort County, the highest-scoring are coastal flood, hurricane, and winter. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Beaufort County's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.