Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 28204
Charlotte, North Carolina
Risk Summary for ZIP 28204
ZIP 28204 scores 7.7/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Tornado.
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 28204, North Carolina
Located in the interior eastern United States, ZIP 28204 serves the Charlotte 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 28204's overall natural disaster risk is rated 7.7/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornadoes represent the primary threat to life and property here, with the local geography placing the community squarely in a high-frequency severe weather corridor. Secondary hazards include ice storm and lightning.
Relative to other U.S. communities, ZIP 28204'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 tornado and ice storm, as measured by FEMA across North Carolina. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
With a high natural disaster risk rating, ZIP 28204 residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for tornado 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.
What this means for ZIP 28204: Tornado preparedness
- Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone and have a NOAA weather radio as a backup.
- Review whether your insurance covers wind and debris damage, and document belongings in advance.
- Identify the safest interior room on the lowest floor — away from windows — as your shelter.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 28204
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 28204 from other communities in North Carolina County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
9,314
Small TownGeographic Zone
SE Atlantic Coast
Hurricane & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 35.2°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 6.7/10
Coordinates
35.2147° N, 80.8268° 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 28204
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.