Natural Disaster Risk in Oak Island
North Carolina
Risk Summary for Oak Island
Oak Island scores 7.3/10 (High 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
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: Oak Island, North Carolina
Located near the Atlantic Coast of the southeastern United States in Brunswick County, Oak Island is a town of roughly 8,756 residents. 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 Oak Island a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.
Oak Island's overall natural disaster risk is rated 7.3/10 (High) 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 wildfire.
Relative to other U.S. communities, Oak Island's natural disaster risk is well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly above the 6.2/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by coastal flood and hurricane, as measured by FEMA across Brunswick County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
Oak Island'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 Oak Island: 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 Oak Island
These city-level factors differentiate Oak Island from other communities in Brunswick County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
8,756
Small TownGeographic Zone
SE Atlantic Coast
Hurricane & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 33.9°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 9.4/10
Coordinates
33.9123° N, 78.0991° W
Brunswick 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 Oak Island
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Oak Island
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.