Natural Disaster Risk in Murrells Inlet
South Carolina
Risk Summary for Murrells Inlet
Murrells Inlet scores 7.9/10 (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: Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Murrells Inlet is a city of approximately 34,695 residents in Horry County, near the Atlantic Coast of the southeastern United States. The area experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, with an active hurricane season with direct storm threat to the coastline 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 Murrells Inlet.
FEMA rates Murrells Inlet's composite natural disaster risk at 7.9 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 tornado risk in their preparedness planning.
Murrells Inlet'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 Horry County, the highest-scoring are hurricane, coastal flood, and tornado. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Murrells Inlet'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 Murrells Inlet: 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.
Local Factors for Murrells Inlet
These city-level factors differentiate Murrells Inlet from other communities in Horry County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
34,695
SuburbanGeographic Zone
SE Atlantic Coast
Hurricane & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 33.6°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 9.1/10
Coordinates
33.5695° N, 79.0508° W
Horry 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 Murrells Inlet
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Murrells Inlet
Other cities in South 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.