Lincoln County

West Virginia — Natural Disaster Risk Assessment

Low

Composite Risk Score

59.7

National percentile: 60th

Lincoln County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 59.7, 60th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and riverine flood exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $15M.

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

Expected Annual Loss $15M Annualized county-level EAL
Social Vulnerability High Population sensitivity
Community Resilience Very Low Capacity to recover
Population 20K Latest estimate

Top Hazards

Landslide
Medium $78K/yr
Riverine Flood
Medium $13M/yr
Heat Wave
Low $764K/yr

All 18 Hazard Risks

Landslide Medium 1.32 / yr $78K
Riverine Flood Medium 2.43 / yr $13M
Heat Wave Low 4.37 / yr $764K
Wildfire Low 0.00 / yr $148K
Ice Storm Low 0.35 / yr $65K
Hurricane Very Low 0.02 / yr $43K
Winter Weather Low 8.95 / yr $33K
Earthquake Very Low 0.00 / yr $93K
Avalanche Very Low 0.01 / yr $100
Lightning Low 48.31 / yr $85K
Cold Wave Low 0.68 / yr $328K
Drought Very Low 3.25 / yr $7K
Strong Wind Low 1.45 / yr $158K
Hail Very Low 3.15 / yr $57K
Tornado Very Low 0.05 / yr $66K
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 Lincoln County?

Lincoln County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 59.7 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 60th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.

What are the top natural hazards in Lincoln County?

The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Medium, $78K EAL), Riverine Flood (Medium, $13M EAL), Heat Wave (Low, $764K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.

How does Lincoln County compare to other West Virginia counties?

Lincoln County ranks #19 of 55 West Virginia 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. Lincoln County's $15M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.