Natural Disaster Risk in Sullivans Island
South Carolina
Risk Summary for Sullivans Island
Sullivans Island scores 7.7/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Coastal Flooding.
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: Sullivans Island, South Carolina
Sullivans Island, in Charleston County, is a small community of about 2,087 situated near the Atlantic Coast of the southeastern 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 Sullivans Island residents and property owners must navigate.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Sullivans Island carries an overall risk score of 7.7/10, placing it in the high category. Coastal flooding is the dominant hazard, with storm surge from tropical systems and nor'easters capable of inundating low-lying shoreline areas well above normal tidal levels. The area also faces notable exposure to hurricane and earthquake.
Within South Carolina, Sullivans Island's risk is, slightly above the 6.6/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Charleston County identifies coastal flood as the foremost hazard, followed by hurricane and earthquake. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
Sullivans Island'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 Sullivans Island: Coastal Flooding preparedness
- Elevate utilities and consider flood-resistant construction in low-lying shoreline areas.
- Coastal flood and storm-surge damage requires separate flood insurance, not standard homeowners coverage.
- Know your evacuation zone and monitor tidal and surge forecasts during coastal storms.
Local Factors for Sullivans Island
These city-level factors differentiate Sullivans Island from other communities in Charleston County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
2,087
Small TownGeographic Zone
SE Atlantic Coast
Hurricane & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 32.8°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 9.5/10
Coordinates
32.7685° N, 79.8356° W
Charleston 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 Sullivans Island
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Sullivans Island
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.