Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 27704

Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 27704, North Carolina

ZIP 27704 in Durham sits along the mid-Atlantic coast. Its humid subtropical climate produces hot, humid summers and four distinct seasons, and notably a hurricane and tropical storm season affecting the coast. These conditions define the natural disaster environment for households across this ZIP code.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, ZIP 27704 carries an overall risk score of 7.1/10, placing it in the high category. Extreme heat is the top natural hazard concern, with summer temperatures regularly reaching dangerous thresholds that pose serious health risks, particularly for elderly and outdoor workers. The area also faces notable exposure to tornado and hurricane.

Within North Carolina, ZIP 27704's risk is, slightly above the 6.2/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of North Carolina identifies heat as the foremost hazard, followed by tornado and hurricane. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, ZIP 27704 residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for heat and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.