Sumter, South Carolina: natural disaster risk
How exposed Sumter is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Sumter County.
Sumter is a city of 43,053 people in Sumter County, South Carolina. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Sumter County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and earthquake, with about $40.7 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 646 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 28 tornadoes and 34 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 11 hurricanes and 44 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 1 of them major. About 1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Sumter County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Sumter
Full Sumter 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.
- 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 | $15M | |
| Hurricane | $10M | |
| Earthquake | $6M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Hail | $997K | |
| Lightning | $612K | |
| Ice storm | $451K | |
| Wildfire | $326K | |
| Drought | $110K |
Homes in Sumter
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 Sumter County
Other cities in South Carolina
All ›Common questions about Sumter
Is Sumter safe from natural disasters?
Sumter is in Sumter County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Sumter?
By expected yearly losses in Sumter County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), hurricane (Moderate), earthquake (Moderate). Sumter County has been part of 26 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Sumter get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 28 tornadoes in Sumter County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on April 15, 2007 near Pinewood. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Sumter?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Sumter County, about 1% 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.