Natural Disaster Risk in Charleston County

Natural Hazard Profile: Charleston County, South Carolina

Charleston County is located in the United States in South Carolina, home to roughly 407,722 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 Charleston County's composite natural disaster risk at 7.7 out of 10 — high risk. The risk of coastal inundation tops the local hazard profile, with the area exposed to storm surge, tidal flooding, and wave action during major coastal storm events. Residents should also account for hurricane and earthquake risk in their preparedness planning.

Charleston 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 Charleston County, the highest-scoring are coastal flood, hurricane, and earthquake. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Charleston County residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for coastal flood and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.