riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Capitol Planning Region Disaster Risk

Capitol Planning Region, Connecticut

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively High

National Percentile

97th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#1

of 9 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

99th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively High

Higher than 99% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 57% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Moderate

Higher than 90% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Moderate

Higher than 93% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Moderate

Higher than 93% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Capitol Planning Region, Connecticut

Capitol Region faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 97.36, Capitol Planning Region ranks in the relatively high category—significantly above Connecticut's state average of 87.62. This places the region among more vulnerable areas when considering all natural hazards combined, from flooding to earthquakes.

Second-highest risk county in Connecticut

Capitol Planning Region is the second-most at-risk planning region in the state, trailing only South Central Connecticut's score of 95.13. Among Connecticut's eight planning regions, Capitol's 97.36 score reflects concentrated exposure to multiple hazard types.

Riskier than most surrounding areas

Capitol Planning Region's risk score substantially exceeds its neighbors: Naugatuck Valley (93.19), Southeastern Connecticut (88.64), and Northwest Hills (79.61). Only South Central Connecticut, its southwestern neighbor, faces comparable or higher overall disaster risk.

Flooding and earthquakes lead your hazards

Flood risk dominates at 99.05—nearly maximal—making heavy precipitation events and riverine overflow acute concerns for residents and infrastructure. Earthquake risk (93.48) and tornado risk (90.46) also run substantially above state average, creating a multi-hazard landscape that requires year-round preparation.

Prioritize flood and earthquake coverage now

Standard homeowners insurance excludes both flood and earthquake damage, yet Capitol Planning Region faces critical exposure to both. Review your policy today and secure separate flood insurance—especially vital given the region's 99.05 flood risk score—and consider earthquake coverage for peace of mind.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Capitol Planning Region

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    FloodPrepare
    99th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    93th percentile
  3. #3
    HurricanePrepare
    93th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Capitol Planning Region

Risk Verdict

FEMA's National Risk Index places Capitol Planning Region at the 97th percentile nationally — in the high-risk bracket for U.S. counties. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.

Hazard Breakdown

Flood risk is Capitol Planning Region's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 93th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (93th percentile), tornado (90th percentile), wildfire (57th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Flood risk is Capitol Planning Region's top hazard at the 99th percentile nationally. Households in or near designated flood zones face elevated financial exposure; flood insurance typically requires a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so applying before the season is advisable. Earthquake, which ranks at the 93th percentile nationally for Capitol Planning Region, represents an additional preparedness dimension beyond the primary flood threat. Households across Capitol Planning Region should identify the nearest community shelter and keep a basic emergency kit — water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, and battery radio — in a location easy to grab quickly.

Regional Context

Capitol Planning Region is 9.7 composite risk points above the Connecticut average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.

Is your household prepared for Capitol Planning Region's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Capitol Planning Region, CT?
Capitol Planning Region has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively High, placing it in the 97th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Capitol Planning Region?
Capitol Planning Region is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: flooding (99th percentile), earthquake (93th percentile), hurricane (93th percentile), tornado (90th percentile), wildfire (57th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is flooding at the 99th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Capitol Planning Region risk compare to the Connecticut average?
Capitol Planning Region's composite risk percentile is 97th, compared to the Connecticut state average of 88th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Moderate. This means Capitol Planning Region faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Connecticut.
Is Capitol Planning Region at risk for flooding?
Yes, Capitol Planning Region's flooding risk is at the 99th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Capitol Planning Region higher risk than average?
Capitol Planning Region's composite risk score of 97th percentile is above the Connecticut state average of 88th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by flooding exposure (99th percentile), along with earthquake and hurricane and tornado and wildfire risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Data Source

Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.

Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.