Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 27712
Durham, North Carolina
Risk Summary for ZIP 27712
ZIP 27712 scores 7.1/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Extreme Heat.
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: ZIP 27712, North Carolina
Located along the mid-Atlantic coast, ZIP 27712 serves the Durham community. The humid subtropical climate of this part of North Carolina — bringing hot, humid summers and four distinct seasons — directly shapes the hazard exposure for properties in this postal area.
ZIP 27712's overall natural disaster risk is rated 7.1/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Heat wave risk stands out as the primary natural hazard here, with above-average summer temperatures amplified by urban heat island effects in developed areas. Secondary hazards include tornado and hurricane.
Relative to other U.S. communities, ZIP 27712's natural disaster risk is well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly above the 6.2/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by heat and tornado, as measured by FEMA across North Carolina. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
ZIP 27712'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 ZIP 27712: Extreme Heat preparedness
- Check on elderly neighbors and never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
- Stay hydrated and limit outdoor activity during the hottest hours when heat advisories are issued.
- Ensure reliable air conditioning and identify nearby cooling centers for extreme heat days.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 27712
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 27712 from other communities in North Carolina County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
24,299
SuburbanGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 36.1°
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
36.0961° N, 78.9048° W
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for ZIP 27712
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
Nearby ZIP codes
Other cities in North Carolina
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). County-level data applied to ZIP codes within each county. Scores are normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. This information is for general awareness only — consult official emergency management resources and a licensed insurer for property-specific advice.