Marlboro County

South Carolina — Natural Disaster Risk Assessment

Low

Composite Risk Score

57.5

National percentile: 57th

Marlboro County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 57.5, 57th national percentile), driven primarily by ice storm and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $11M.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025

Expected Annual Loss $11M Annualized county-level EAL
Social Vulnerability Very High Population sensitivity
Community Resilience Very Low Capacity to recover
Population 27K Latest estimate

Top Hazards

Ice Storm
High $698K/yr
Hurricane
Medium $3M/yr
Tornado
Medium $2M/yr

All 18 Hazard Risks

Ice Storm High 0.83 / yr $698K
Hurricane Medium 0.23 / yr $3M
Tornado Medium 0.25 / yr $2M
Wildfire Low 0.00 / yr $133K
Earthquake Low 0.00 / yr $557K
Strong Wind Medium 3.59 / yr $562K
Heat Wave Low 7.74 / yr $392K
Cold Wave Low 0.47 / yr $772K
Lightning Medium 56.30 / yr $180K
Drought Low 19.62 / yr $91K
Winter Weather Low 2.47 / yr $31K
Hail Low 3.52 / yr $110K
Riverine Flood Low 0.25 / yr $3M
Landslide Very Low 0.10 / yr $56
Avalanche Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Coastal Flood Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Tsunami Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Volcanic Activity Very Low 0.00 / yr $0

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall natural disaster risk for Marlboro County?

Marlboro County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 57.5 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 57th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.

What are the top natural hazards in Marlboro County?

The three highest-rated hazards are Ice Storm (High, $698K EAL), Hurricane (Medium, $3M EAL), Tornado (Medium, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.

How does Marlboro County compare to other South Carolina counties?

Marlboro County ranks #35 of 46 South Carolina counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.

What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?

EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Marlboro County's $11M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.