Natural Disaster Risk in Westmoreland County

Natural Hazard Profile: Westmoreland County, Virginia

Westmoreland County is located in the United States in Virginia, home to roughly 18,477 residents. The county experiences hot, humid summers and four distinct seasons, with hurricane and nor'easter exposure 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.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Westmoreland County carries an overall risk score of 5.1/10, placing it in the moderate category. Coastal flood risk defines the local natural hazard environment, with sea-level rise trends gradually increasing the frequency of tidal flooding events alongside storm surge threats. The area also faces notable exposure to hurricane and drought.

Westmoreland County's risk score, near the 5.1/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Westmoreland County, the highest-scoring are coastal flood, hurricane, and drought. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Westmoreland County's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that coastal flood exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.