Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 28278
Charlotte, North Carolina
Risk Summary for ZIP 28278
ZIP 28278 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 28278, North Carolina
ZIP 28278 covers part of the Charlotte area, in the interior eastern United States. The surrounding region experiences hot, humid summers and four distinct seasons, with a hurricane and tropical storm season affecting the coast shaping the natural hazards that residents of this ZIP code face. Risk scores here are derived from FEMA data for the encompassing county.
FEMA rates ZIP 28278's composite natural disaster risk at 7.7 out of 10 — high risk. The area faces significant tornado risk, positioned where atmospheric conditions regularly generate severe rotating thunderstorms capable of producing violent tornadoes. Residents should also account for ice storm and lightning risk in their preparedness planning.
ZIP 28278's risk score, slightly above the 6.2/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA, the highest-scoring are tornado, ice storm, and lightning. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
ZIP 28278'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 28278: Tornado preparedness
- Identify the safest interior room on the lowest floor — away from windows — as your shelter.
- 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.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 28278
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 28278 from other communities in North Carolina County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
37,420
SuburbanGeographic Zone
SE Atlantic Coast
Hurricane & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Mild Temperate
Latitude 35.1°
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
35.1306° N, 81.0075° 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 28278
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.