Out of 18 counties with PHMSA gas distribution data, these are the counties with the highest incident risk.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Counties ranked | 18 |
| Total incidents (top 100) | 20 |
| Total fatalities (top 100) | 0 |
Top 18 Counties
| Rank | County | State | Incidents | Fatalities | Latest Year | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Richland | South Carolina | 3 | 0 | 2025 | 3/100 |
| 2 | Berkeley | South Carolina | 3 | 0 | 2025 | 3/100 |
| 3 | Greenville | South Carolina | 2 | 0 | 2022 | 3/100 |
| 4 | Charleston | South Carolina | 2 | 0 | 2021 | 1/100 |
| 5 | Spartanburg | South Carolina | 2 | 0 | 2022 | 1/100 |
| 6 | Dorchester | South Carolina | 2 | 0 | 2021 | 1/100 |
| 7 | Lexington | South Carolina | 1 | 0 | 2022 | 3/100 |
| 8 | Cherokee | South Carolina | 1 | 0 | 2020 | 2/100 |
| 9 | Horry | South Carolina | 1 | 0 | 2021 | 1/100 |
| 10 | Dillon | South Carolina | 1 | 0 | 2021 | 1/100 |
| 11 | Oconee | South Carolina | 1 | 0 | 2011 | 1/100 |
| 12 | Beaufort | South Carolina | 1 | 0 | 2020 | 1/100 |
| 13 | Union | South Carolina | 0 | 0 | — | 3/100 |
| 14 | Pickens | South Carolina | 0 | 0 | — | 3/100 |
| 15 | Laurens | South Carolina | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 16 | Marlboro | South Carolina | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 17 | Marion | South Carolina | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 18 | Anderson | South Carolina | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
Methodology
County rankings for South Carolina 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.