Fairfax, Virginia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Fairfax is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Fairfax City.
Fairfax is a city of 25,026 people in Fairfax City, Virginia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Fairfax City very low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, strong wind and hurricane, with about $4.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 59 storm reports in the county since 1984, including 0 tornadoes and 11 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 2 hurricanes and 13 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Fairfax City. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Fairfax
Full Fairfax City 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.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $397K | |
| Hurricane | $385K | |
| Heat wave | $383K | |
| Earthquake | $372K | |
| Tornado | $359K | |
| Lightning | $211K | |
| Hail | $93K | |
| Winter weather | $39K | |
| Cold wave | $28K | |
| Ice storm | $13K | |
| Wildfire | $671 |
Homes in Fairfax
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.
Other cities in Virginia
All ›Common questions about Fairfax
Is Fairfax safe from natural disasters?
Fairfax is in Fairfax City, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates very low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, strong wind, hurricane. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Fairfax?
By expected yearly losses in Fairfax City, the top hazards are inland flooding (Very Low), strong wind (Low), hurricane (Low). Fairfax City has been part of 15 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Fairfax get tornadoes?
Tornadoes are rare here. NOAA has no county tornado reports for Fairfax City since 1950.
Do I need flood insurance in Fairfax?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Fairfax City, about 1.9% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk very low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.