Out of 19 counties with PHMSA gas distribution data, these are the counties with the highest incident risk.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Counties ranked | 19 |
| Total incidents (top 100) | 19 |
| Total fatalities (top 100) | 6 |
Top 19 Counties
| Rank | County | State | Incidents | Fatalities | Latest Year | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kanawha | West Virginia | 3 | 0 | 2023 | 2/100 |
| 2 | Raleigh | West Virginia | 2 | 0 | 2022 | 4/100 |
| 3 | Monongalia | West Virginia | 2 | 0 | 2020 | 4/100 |
| 4 | Marion | West Virginia | 2 | 0 | 2020 | 4/100 |
| 5 | Gilmer | West Virginia | 2 | 0 | 2022 | 3/100 |
| 6 | Tucker | West Virginia | 1 | 4 | 2006 | 33/100 |
| 7 | Harrison | West Virginia | 1 | 1 | 2025 | 20/100 |
| 8 | Ritchie | West Virginia | 1 | 1 | 2013 | 7/100 |
| 9 | Berkeley | West Virginia | 1 | 0 | 2004 | 2/100 |
| 10 | Putnam | West Virginia | 1 | 0 | 2004 | 2/100 |
| 11 | Jackson | West Virginia | 1 | 0 | 2004 | 2/100 |
| 12 | Lewis | West Virginia | 1 | 0 | 2007 | 2/100 |
| 13 | Greenbrier | West Virginia | 1 | 0 | 2016 | 0/100 |
| 14 | Randolph | West Virginia | 0 | 0 | — | 33/100 |
| 15 | Calhoun | West Virginia | 0 | 0 | — | 7/100 |
| 16 | Mercer | West Virginia | 0 | 0 | — | 4/100 |
| 17 | Fayette | West Virginia | 0 | 0 | — | 4/100 |
| 18 | Braxton | West Virginia | 0 | 0 | — | 3/100 |
| 19 | Upshur | West Virginia | 0 | 0 | — | 2/100 |
Methodology
County rankings for West 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.