Aiken, South Carolina: natural disaster risk
How exposed Aiken is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Aiken County.
Aiken is a city of 32,521 people in Aiken County, South Carolina. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Aiken County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and tornado, with about $47.5 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 843 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 44 tornadoes and 27 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 4 hurricanes and 31 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Aiken County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Aiken
Full Aiken County report ›- 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.
- 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.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $23M | |
| Hurricane | $7M | |
| Tornado | $5M | |
| Earthquake | $4M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $943K | |
| Hail | $591K | |
| Wildfire | $466K | |
| Drought | $236K |
Homes in Aiken
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 Aiken County
More cities in Aiken County
Other cities in South Carolina
All ›Common questions about Aiken
Is Aiken safe from natural disasters?
Aiken is in Aiken 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 Aiken?
By expected yearly losses in Aiken County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), hurricane (Moderate), tornado (Moderate). Aiken County has been part of 22 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Aiken get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 44 tornadoes in Aiken County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on April 10, 2009 near Beech Is. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Aiken?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Aiken County, about 0.6% 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.