Jacksonville, North Carolina: natural disaster risk
How exposed Jacksonville is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Onslow County.
Jacksonville is a city of 71,279 people in Onslow County, North Carolina. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Onslow County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are hurricane, inland flooding and tornado, with about $216 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 550 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 50 tornadoes and 60 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 37 hurricanes and 47 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 5 of them major. About 6.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Onslow County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Jacksonville
Full Onslow County report ›- 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.
- 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.
- 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
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | $171M | |
| Inland flooding | $23M | |
| Tornado | $7M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Coastal flooding | $3M | |
| Winter weather | $2M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Wildfire | $968K | |
| Earthquake | $834K | |
| Ice storm | $394K |
Homes in Jacksonville
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 Onslow County
Other cities in North Carolina
All ›Common questions about Jacksonville
Is Jacksonville safe from natural disasters?
Jacksonville is in Onslow County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are hurricane, inland flooding, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Jacksonville?
By expected yearly losses in Onslow County, the top hazards are hurricane (Very High), inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Moderate). Onslow County has been part of 28 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Jacksonville get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 50 tornadoes in Onslow County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on April 16, 2011 near Midway Park. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Jacksonville?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Onslow County, about 6.3% 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.