🌍 ClimateRiskCheck

Natural Disaster Risk in Macon County

North Carolina

6.1out of 10
High Risk

Risk Summary for Macon County

Macon County scores 6.1/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Landslide.

Top Hazards

Landslide Cold Wave Hurricane

All 18 Hazard Scores

Landslide
10.0
Cold Wave
9.4
Hurricane
7.8
Lightning
7.8
Ice Storm
7.8
Earthquake
7.3
Tornado
6.6
Wildfire
6.4
Strong Wind
5.7
Hail
5.4
Tsunami
5.4
Volcanic Activity
5.1
Coastal Flooding
4.9
Avalanche
4.5
Winter Weather
4.2
Drought
4.1
Extreme Heat
1.2
Riverine Flooding
1.0

How it compares

Macon County
6.1
North Carolina avg.
6.2
US national avg.
4.5

Live Conditions

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🏠 What this means for insurance

Above-average risk β€” 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: Macon County, North Carolina

Macon County, in the United States in North Carolina, is characterized by its humid subtropical climate β€” hot, humid summers and four distinct seasons. The county faces a hurricane and tropical storm season affecting the coast, and its FEMA risk assessment establishes the hazard baseline shared by all the towns and cities it contains.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Macon County carries an overall risk score of 6.1/10, placing it in the high 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 hurricane.

Within North Carolina, Macon County'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 Macon County identifies landslide as the foremost hazard, followed by cold wave and hurricane. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

Macon 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.

What this means for Macon County: 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 β€” ask about specialized coverage.

Cities in Macon County

ZIP codes in Macon County

Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. For informational purposes only.