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Greenville, North Carolina: natural disaster risk

How exposed Greenville is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Pitt County.

Relatively Moderate overall risk
92,857people
Inland floodingtop hazard
28federal declarations, Pitt County
33tornadoes in the county since 1950
20hurricanes within 65 miles since 1851
Photo: U.S. Geological Survey, public domain

Greenville is a city of 92,857 people in Pitt County, North Carolina. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Pitt County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and tornado, with about $81.1 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 555 storm reports in the county since 1950, including 33 tornadoes and 76 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 20 hurricanes and 49 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 1 of them major. About 2.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.

Risk figures are for Pitt County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.

Top risks in Greenville

Full Pitt County report ›
$31.1 million a year in the county
  • Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
  • Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
$29.6 million a year in the county
  • Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
  • Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
$10.5 million a year in the county
  • Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
  • Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.

All hazards

HazardRatingA year
Inland floodingModerate$31M
HurricaneHigh$30M
TornadoHigh$11M
Heat waveModerate$3M
Cold waveLow$2M
Winter weatherVery High$1M
Strong windModerate$1000K
EarthquakeLow$866K
HailModerate$754K
LightningModerate$747K
DroughtModerate$709K
Ice stormModerate$325K

Homes in Greenville

Median home value$233,500
Pitt County median$208,900
Median year built1996
Built before 198027%
Mobile homes1.2%

Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.

Strongest tornadoes in Pitt County

1984F49 killed
1972F34 hurt
2014EF2 near Shelmerdine

Common questions about Greenville

Is Greenville safe from natural disasters?

Greenville is in Pitt County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.

What natural disasters happen in Greenville?

By expected yearly losses in Pitt County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), hurricane (High), tornado (High). Pitt County has been part of 28 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.

Does Greenville get tornadoes?

Yes. NOAA records list 33 tornadoes in Pitt County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on March 28, 1984. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.

Do I need flood insurance in Greenville?

Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Pitt County, about 2.3% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.