Natural Disaster Risk in Plymouth

Natural Hazard Profile: Plymouth, North Carolina

Plymouth is a town of roughly 7,043 residents in Washington County, along the mid-Atlantic coast. The area experiences hot, humid summers and four distinct seasons, with a hurricane and tropical storm season affecting the coast shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Plymouth.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Plymouth carries an overall risk score of 5.1/10, placing it in the moderate 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 winter.

Plymouth's risk score, slightly below the 6.2/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Washington County, the highest-scoring are hurricane, coastal flood, and winter. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Plymouth'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 hurricane exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.