Natural Disaster Risk in New Hanover County
North Carolina
Risk Summary for New Hanover County
New Hanover County scores 7.1/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Hurricane.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — 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: New Hanover County, North Carolina
New Hanover County is located in the United States in North Carolina, home to roughly 225,344 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, New Hanover County carries an overall risk score of 7.1/10, placing it in the high category. Hurricane risk defines the natural hazard environment here, requiring residents to maintain seasonal preparedness plans and insurance coverage for wind and flood damage. The area also faces notable exposure to coastal flood and lightning.
New Hanover County's risk score, slightly above 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 New Hanover County, the highest-scoring are hurricane, coastal flood, and lightning. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
New Hanover 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 New Hanover County: Hurricane preparedness
- Wind damage is usually covered by homeowners insurance, but storm-surge flooding requires separate flood coverage.
- Know your evacuation zone and route before hurricane season begins each June.
- Keep at least a week of supplies on hand; power and water service can be disrupted for days after landfall.
Cities in New Hanover County
ZIP codes in New Hanover County
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. For informational purposes only.