Aroostook County Disaster Risk
Aroostook County, Maine
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
80th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#2
of 16 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
76th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Aroostook County, Maine
Aroostook faces above-average natural hazards
Aroostook County's composite risk score of 80.41 places it well above the national average, though still rated as relatively low overall. The score is driven primarily by flood risk (76.08) and earthquake risk (77.74), making it one of Maine's higher-risk counties.
Highest risk county in Maine
At 80.41, Aroostook ranks as Maine's riskiest county—42% above the state average of 56.75. This elevated score reflects the county's exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly flooding and seismic activity, both scoring above 76.
Aroostook stands out regionally
Aroostook's 80.41 score significantly exceeds nearby Penobscot County peers and Franklin County inland (43.64). The county's extreme northeastern location and terrain contribute to higher flood vulnerability compared to much of Maine.
Flooding is your primary concern
Flood risk dominates Aroostook's hazard profile at 76.08, the highest single risk factor in the county—much higher than the state average. Earthquake risk (77.74) and hurricane exposure (83.06) round out your top three threats, requiring comprehensive risk planning.
Flood insurance is essential here
Given Aroostook's 76.08 flood risk score, flood insurance should be your top priority—don't assume standard homeowners policies cover water damage. Bundle flood coverage with earthquake and hurricane policies to address all three major threats in the county.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Aroostook County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Aroostook County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 80th, Aroostook County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Aroostook County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Aroostook County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 78th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (76th percentile), wildfire (26th percentile), tornado (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 83th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Aroostook County households benefit from reviewing both homeowners and flood insurance coverage before storm season begins — standard policies often exclude storm surge, which is the leading cause of hurricane fatalities. Earthquake at the 78th percentile nationally is Aroostook County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Aroostook County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.
Regional Context
At 23.7 points above the Maine state average, Aroostook County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Maine county.
Is your household prepared for Aroostook County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Aroostook County, ME?
What types of natural hazards affect Aroostook County?
How does Aroostook County risk compare to the Maine average?
Is Aroostook County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Aroostook County higher risk than average?
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.