Natural Disaster Risk in Plum Branch
South Carolina
Risk Summary for Plum Branch
Plum Branch scores 4.4/10 (Moderate risk), near 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
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Plum Branch, South Carolina
Plum Branch, in McCormick County, is a small community of about 837 situated in the interior eastern United States. Its humid subtropical climate brings hot, humid summers and mild winters, and in particular an active hurricane season with direct storm threat to the coastline. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Plum Branch residents and property owners must navigate.
Plum Branch's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.4/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. 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. Secondary hazards include ice storm and earthquake.
Within South Carolina, Plum Branch's risk is, considerably below the 6.6/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of McCormick County identifies hurricane as the foremost hazard, followed by ice storm and earthquake. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
With a moderate risk rating, Plum Branch residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for hurricane is recommended.
What this means for Plum Branch: Hurricane preparedness
- Keep at least a week of supplies on hand; power and water service can be disrupted for days after landfall.
- 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.
Local Factors for Plum Branch
These city-level factors differentiate Plum Branch from other communities in McCormick County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
837
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 33.8°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 4.3/10
Coordinates
33.8231° N, 82.2079° W
McCormick 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 Plum Branch
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Plum Branch
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.