Natural Disaster Risk in Tyler County

Natural Hazard Profile: Tyler County, West Virginia

Tyler County is located in the United States in West Virginia, home to roughly 8,299 residents. The county experiences cold winters, warm summers, and mountainous terrain that intensifies flooding, with flash flooding and winter storms 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, Tyler County carries an overall risk score of 4.5/10, placing it in the moderate category. Slope instability and debris flows are the primary natural hazard, driven by a combination of local geology, precipitation intensity, and terrain that creates susceptibility to failure. The area also faces notable exposure to avalanche and hurricane.

Tyler County's risk score, slightly below the 5.0/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Tyler County, the highest-scoring are landslide, avalanche, and hurricane. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Tyler County 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 landslide is recommended.