Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: natural disaster risk
How exposed Hilton Head Island is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Beaufort County.
Hilton Head Island is a city of 37,911 people in Beaufort County, South Carolina. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Beaufort County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are hurricane, inland flooding and earthquake, with about $256 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 890 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 31 tornadoes and 46 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 25 hurricanes and 53 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 5 of them major. About 39.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Beaufort County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Hilton Head Island
Full Beaufort 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.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | $201M | |
| Inland flooding | $20M | |
| Earthquake | $10M | |
| Coastal flooding | $10M | |
| Tornado | $4M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Wildfire | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $747K | |
| Hail | $507K |
Homes in Hilton Head Island
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 Beaufort County
More cities in Beaufort County
Other cities in South Carolina
All ›Common questions about Hilton Head Island
Is Hilton Head Island safe from natural disasters?
Hilton Head Island is in Beaufort County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are hurricane, inland flooding, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Hilton Head Island?
By expected yearly losses in Beaufort County, the top hazards are hurricane (Very High), inland flooding (Moderate), earthquake (Moderate). Beaufort County has been part of 22 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Hilton Head Island get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 31 tornadoes in Beaufort County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on September 3, 1998 near Frogmore. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Hilton Head Island?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Beaufort County, about 39.7% 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.