South Carolina natural hazard risk by county

South Carolina has about $2.99 billion in modeled expected annual loss across 46 counties. The state accounts for 1.9% of the national modeled loss total. Its total ranks #17 among 56 state-level entries by modeled loss. FEMA published these 46 county estimates in its December 2025 National Risk Index. The modeled $2.99 billion annual average does not predict loss in any one year.

Modeled expected annual loss

$2.99 billion / year

Share of US loss

1.9%

State loss rank

#17 of 56

Largest modeled-loss hazard

Hurricane

Reading the South Carolina county map

The map groups 46 county estimates into five within-state loss classes. Each boundary follows the county geography, while the fill represents modeled dollars per year. The class breaks are calculated from South Carolina county values, so a matching shade on another state page need not represent the same amount. Grey marks unmatched geography or an unavailable estimate. Outlined counties link to the detailed profiles available in this release; counties without profiles still contribute to the state totals.

Together, the three largest estimates account for 35.0% of South Carolina modeled annual loss. Their combined population represents 18.5% of the state source population. Comparing these two shares helps distinguish the concentration of modeled dollars from the concentration of residents. Neither share identifies the exposure of an individual address, and the map does not show the location of damage within a county.

County totals beside population

Charleston County, SC combines about $499.8 million in modeled annual loss with 407,722 recorded residents. Dividing those figures gives about $1,226 per resident, compared with $584 statewide. On this population-adjusted measure, the county places #4 among the 46 state county records. This ratio spreads all modeled losses across residents for comparison; it is not a household bill, an insurance premium or an estimate of personal damage.

Horry County, SC combines about $290.4 million in modeled annual loss with 348,574 recorded residents. Dividing those figures gives about $833 per resident, compared with $584 statewide. On this population-adjusted measure, the county places #12 among the 46 state county records. This ratio spreads all modeled losses across residents for comparison; it is not a household bill, an insurance premium or an estimate of personal damage.

Beaufort County, SC combines about $255.6 million in modeled annual loss with 186,606 recorded residents. Dividing those figures gives about $1,370 per resident, compared with $584 statewide. On this population-adjusted measure, the county places #2 among the 46 state county records. This ratio spreads all modeled losses across residents for comparison; it is not a household bill, an insurance premium or an estimate of personal damage.

Where the leading hazards are concentrated

For hurricanes, Charleston County, SC contributes 23.6% of the state hazard total. The next county, Beaufort County, SC, contributes about $200.6 million annually, compared with $281.3 million for the leader. Across South Carolina, 46 county records have a positive modeled estimate for this hazard. The remaining counties together account for about $708.8 million after those two leading estimates. The state places #6 of 56 state-level entries for this hazard. Its share of the state loss mix is 39.9%. These comparisons describe modeled losses rather than future events.

For riverine flooding, Greenville County, SC contributes 13.3% of the state hazard total. The next county, Richland County, SC, contributes about $74.1 million annually, compared with $104.5 million for the leader. Across South Carolina, 46 county records have a positive modeled estimate for this hazard. The remaining counties together account for about $606.5 million after those two leading estimates. The state places #28 of 56 state-level entries for this hazard. Its share of the state loss mix is 26.3%. These comparisons describe modeled losses rather than future events.

For earthquakes, Charleston County, SC contributes 31.5% of the state hazard total. The next county, Dorchester County, SC, contributes about $58.2 million annually, compared with $118.0 million for the leader. Across South Carolina, 46 county records have a positive modeled estimate for this hazard. The remaining counties together account for about $197.9 million after those two leading estimates. The state places #10 of 56 state-level entries for this hazard. Its share of the state loss mix is 12.5%. These comparisons describe modeled losses rather than future events.

For tornadoes, Lexington County, SC contributes 11.8% of the state hazard total. The next county, York County, SC, contributes about $23.4 million annually, compared with $23.9 million for the leader. Across South Carolina, 46 county records have a positive modeled estimate for this hazard. The remaining counties together account for about $154.5 million after those two leading estimates. The state places #22 of 56 state-level entries for this hazard. Its share of the state loss mix is 6.8%. These comparisons describe modeled losses rather than future events.

For cold waves, Oconee County, SC contributes 13.1% of the state hazard total. The next county, Greenville County, SC, contributes about $15.0 million annually, compared with $20.0 million for the leader. Across South Carolina, 46 county records have a positive modeled estimate for this hazard. The remaining counties together account for about $117.3 million after those two leading estimates. The state places #24 of 56 state-level entries for this hazard. Its share of the state loss mix is 5.1%. These comparisons describe modeled losses rather than future events.

For coastal flooding, Charleston County, SC contributes 62.3% of the state hazard total. The next county, Beaufort County, SC, contributes about $9.8 million annually, compared with $35.6 million for the leader. Across South Carolina, 11 county records have a positive modeled estimate for this hazard. The remaining counties together account for about $11.7 million after those two leading estimates. The state places #7 of 56 state-level entries for this hazard. Its share of the state loss mix is 1.9%. These comparisons describe modeled losses rather than future events.

South Carolina hazard totals and county comparisons

South Carolina hazard totals combine the county estimates. The largest county column identifies concentration within each hazard; the state rank compares the same hazard across state-level entries.

South Carolina county loss totals

South Carolina population, values and ratings

Population

5,110,387

Building value

$1,137.53 billion

Agricultural value

$3.87 billion

Modeled loss per resident

$584

South Carolina county pages

South Carolina has 1 detailed county page linked below.

• Charleston County, SC: county detail

US county comparisons alongside South Carolina