Photo: Rivers Langley; SaveRivers · CC BY-SA 3.0Less hazard damage per building is expected in Richland than in 90% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Richland gets an A for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 90% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (62%), then tornadoes (18%). FEMA’s files show no paid flood insurance claims here.
Graded on FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value (NRI v1.20, December 2025), weighted by where residents live; flood claims are shown, not graded. How hazard risk is graded
What Richland faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
River and rain flooding
Tornadoes
Hurricanes
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. In FEMA’s terms, river and rain flooding is FEMA’s “Inland Flooding” (rivers and streams overflowing their banks, or rain overwhelming drainage). FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
What’s behind Richland’s grade
River and rain flooding is 62% of the building damage FEMA expects in Richland, and Richland’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 86% of U.S. census tracts. Next is tornadoes at 18% (higher than 80% of U.S. census tracts).
A lower expected damage per building than 90% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of Richland’s residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $469K a year in losses across Richland: $245K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Richland flood? No paid flood claims on record
FEMA’s records show no paid flood insurance claims in Richland. That’s not a promise: most homes don’t carry flood insurance, so small floods go unrecorded.
4 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Richland
Disasters that paid out in Richland itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Richland), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2018Hurricane Michael$51K to the City of Richland for repairs
- 2017Hurricane Irma$29K to the City of Richland for repairs
- 2015Severe Storms and Flooding$37K to the City of Richland for repairs
- 2007Severe Storms and Tornadoes$362K to the City of Richland for repairs
Stewart County has had 11 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then hurricanes and tropical storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Richland after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Richland archive →Get ready for what Richland faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Turn around at flooded roads: a foot of moving water can carry off a car.
- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy it before the forecast.
- Keep papers and medicines up high, in a grab-and-go bag.
- Pick your spot now: the lowest floor, an inside room, no windows.
- A watch means be ready; a warning means take cover now.
- Keep shoes and a flashlight by the bed.
- The season runs June through November and peaks from mid-August to mid-October.
- Bring in porch furniture and anything the wind can throw.
- Fill the gas tank and charge phones before the storm arrives.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Richland
Is Richland at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Richland has lower expected damage per building than 90% of U.S. towns: A for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (62%) and tornadoes (18%). The figures are for the one census tract the town shares with its neighbors. This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Is Richland in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map.
How much is flood insurance in Richland?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Richland’s flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in Richland?
By FEMA money that reached Richland, Severe Storms and Tornadoes (2007): $362K to the City of Richland for repairs.
Is Richland at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (62%), and Richland’s rate for it is lower than 86% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Richland.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Richland’s residents lived in the 2020 census; OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.