Out of 26 counties with PHMSA gas distribution data, these are the counties with the highest incident risk.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Counties ranked | 26 |
| Total incidents (top 100) | 47 |
| Total fatalities (top 100) | 0 |
Top 26 Counties
| Rank | County | State | Incidents | Fatalities | Latest Year | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prince William | Virginia | 12 | 0 | 2024 | 8/100 |
| 2 | Loudoun | Virginia | 5 | 0 | 2026 | 8/100 |
| 3 | Fairfax | Virginia | 4 | 0 | 2024 | 24/100 |
| 4 | Culpeper | Virginia | 4 | 0 | 2024 | 8/100 |
| 5 | Sussex | Virginia | 4 | 0 | 2024 | 7/100 |
| 6 | Kanawha | Virginia | 3 | 0 | 2023 | 2/100 |
| 7 | Frederick | Virginia | 2 | 0 | 2018 | 3/100 |
| 8 | Virginia Beach | Virginia | 2 | 0 | 2025 | 3/100 |
| 9 | Chesapeake | Virginia | 2 | 0 | 2021 | 2/100 |
| 10 | New Kent | Virginia | 1 | 0 | 2019 | 2/100 |
| 11 | James City | Virginia | 1 | 0 | 2022 | 2/100 |
| 12 | Southampton | Virginia | 1 | 0 | 2022 | 2/100 |
| 13 | Stafford | Virginia | 1 | 0 | 2014 | 1/100 |
| 14 | Henrico | Virginia | 1 | 0 | 2010 | 1/100 |
| 15 | King George | Virginia | 1 | 0 | 2014 | 1/100 |
| 16 | Goochland | Virginia | 1 | 0 | 2010 | 1/100 |
| 17 | Chesterfield | Virginia | 1 | 0 | 2010 | 1/100 |
| 18 | Suffolk | Virginia | 1 | 0 | 2008 | 1/100 |
| 19 | Louisa | Virginia | 0 | 0 | — | 8/100 |
| 20 | Isle of Wight | Virginia | 0 | 0 | — | 7/100 |
| 21 | Clarke | Virginia | 0 | 0 | — | 3/100 |
| 22 | Caroline | Virginia | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 23 | Charles City | Virginia | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 24 | Pittsylvania | Virginia | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 25 | Northampton | Virginia | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 26 | Franklin | Virginia | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
Methodology
County rankings for Virginia based on total PHMSA gas distribution incidents reported since 2004.
Data source: U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Gas Distribution System Incident Reports 2004-2026. Last updated: 2026-06-04.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gas distribution incident?
Gas distribution incidents involve failures in the local natural gas pipeline network — leaks, ruptures, explosions, and equipment failures that can cause property damage, injuries, and fatalities. PHMSA requires all operators to report significant incidents.
How can I protect my home?
Install CO detectors on every level (CPSC recommendation). Have gas appliances inspected annually. Know the signs of a gas leak: rotten egg smell, hissing near gas lines, dead vegetation near pipelines. If you suspect a leak, leave immediately and call 911.