Natural Disaster Risk in Kitty Hawk
North Carolina
Risk Summary for Kitty Hawk
Kitty Hawk 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: Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
Kitty Hawk, in Dare County, is a town of roughly 8,251 residents situated along the mid-Atlantic coast. 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 Kitty Hawk residents and property owners must navigate.
Kitty Hawk's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.6/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The risk of coastal inundation tops the local hazard profile, with the area exposed to storm surge, tidal flooding, and wave action during major coastal storm events. Secondary hazards include hurricane and lightning.
Within North Carolina, Kitty Hawk's risk is, slightly below the 6.2/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Dare County identifies coastal flood as the foremost hazard, followed by hurricane and lightning. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
With a moderate risk rating, Kitty Hawk residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for coastal flood is recommended.
What this means for Kitty Hawk: Coastal Flooding preparedness
- 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.
- Know your evacuation zone and monitor tidal and surge forecasts during coastal storms.
Local Factors for Kitty Hawk
These city-level factors differentiate Kitty Hawk from other communities in Dare County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
8,251
Small TownGeographic Zone
Atlantic Coast
Hurricane, nor'easter & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 36.1°
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
36.1081° N, 75.7311° 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 Kitty Hawk
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Kitty Hawk
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.