Natural Disaster Risk in Hatteras
North Carolina
Risk Summary for Hatteras
Hatteras scores 5.6/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Coastal Flooding.
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: Hatteras, North Carolina
Located along the mid-Atlantic coast in Dare County, Hatteras is a small unincorporated community. The humid subtropical climate that characterizes this part of North Carolina — marked by hot, humid summers and four distinct seasons — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Hatteras a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.
Hatteras's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.6/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. 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. Secondary hazards include hurricane and lightning.
Relative to other U.S. communities, Hatteras's natural disaster risk is above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly below the 6.2/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by coastal flood and hurricane, as measured by FEMA across Dare County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
Hatteras'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 coastal flood exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.
What this means for Hatteras: Coastal Flooding preparedness
- Know your evacuation zone and monitor tidal and surge forecasts during coastal storms.
- Elevate utilities and consider flood-resistant construction in low-lying shoreline areas.
- Coastal flood and storm-surge damage requires separate flood insurance, not standard homeowners coverage.
Local Factors for Hatteras
These city-level factors differentiate Hatteras from other communities in Dare County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
152
RuralGeographic Zone
SE Atlantic Coast
Hurricane & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 35.2°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 8.5/10
Coordinates
35.2143° N, 75.6936° W
Dare 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 Hatteras
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Hatteras
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.