Natural Disaster Risk in Beaufort County

Natural Hazard Profile: Beaufort County, South Carolina

Beaufort County is located in the United States in South Carolina, home to roughly 186,606 residents. The county experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, with an active hurricane season with direct storm threat to the coastline 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.

FEMA rates Beaufort County's composite natural disaster risk at 7.6 out of 10 — high risk. Tropical cyclones are the dominant hazard, with the area facing threats from both direct landfalling hurricanes and the outer rain bands and storm surge of systems making landfall nearby. Residents should also account for coastal flood and lightning risk in their preparedness planning.

Beaufort County's risk score, slightly above the 6.6/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Beaufort 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.

Beaufort 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.