Spartanburg, South Carolina: natural disaster risk
How exposed Spartanburg is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Spartanburg County.
Spartanburg is a city of 38,910 people in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Spartanburg County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and earthquake, with about $89.3 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,079 storm reports in the county since 1952, including 35 tornadoes and 64 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 1 hurricane and 10 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Spartanburg County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Spartanburg
Full Spartanburg 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $53M | |
| Cold wave | $10M | |
| Earthquake | $7M | |
| Tornado | $6M | |
| Ice storm | $4M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Hurricane | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Drought | $294K | |
| Winter weather | $92K |
Homes in Spartanburg
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 Spartanburg County
More cities in Spartanburg County
Other cities in South Carolina
All ›Common questions about Spartanburg
Is Spartanburg safe from natural disasters?
Spartanburg is in Spartanburg County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Spartanburg?
By expected yearly losses in Spartanburg County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High), earthquake (Moderate). Spartanburg County has been part of 23 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Spartanburg get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 35 tornadoes in Spartanburg County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on May 5, 1989. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Spartanburg?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Spartanburg County, about 0.2% 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.