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

Cumberland County Disaster Risk

Cumberland County, Maine

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

77th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#4

of 16 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

78th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 78% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 39% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 25% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Moderate

Higher than 81% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Moderate

Higher than 91% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Cumberland County, Maine

Cumberland ranks high nationally

Cumberland County's composite risk score of 77.00 places it well above the national average, reflecting significant exposure across multiple hazard types. Hurricane risk (90.70) is particularly striking—among the highest in New England—while flood and earthquake risks also score in the upper 70s and 80s.

Second-riskiest county in Maine

At 77.00, Cumberland ranks second only to Aroostook (80.41) in Maine's risk hierarchy, 35% above the state average of 56.75. As home to Maine's largest city (Portland), Cumberland's coastal exposure and dense development amplify natural disaster impact potential.

Coastal location drives elevated risk

Cumberland's 77.00 score far exceeds inland neighbors like Franklin County (43.64) and reflects the premium of direct Atlantic exposure. The county's risk mirrors Aroostook's overall level (80.41) but through different hazard drivers: hurricanes over floods.

Hurricanes dominate Cumberland's threats

Hurricane risk reaches 90.70—the highest in Maine by far—making Atlantic storms your primary natural disaster concern. Flood risk (78.40) and earthquake exposure (81.14) also rank dangerously high, creating a triple threat for coastal and river-valley residents.

Hurricane prep is not optional

With a 90.70 hurricane risk score, invest in wind-resistant roof upgrades and comprehensive windstorm coverage immediately. Add flood and earthquake insurance to round out protection against all three major threats; coastal location makes comprehensive coverage a financial necessity, not luxury.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Cumberland County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    91th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    81th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    78th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Cumberland County

Risk Verdict

Natural hazard pressure in Cumberland County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 77th percentile. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Cumberland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 81th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (78th percentile), wildfire (39th percentile), tornado (25th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Hurricane exposure at the 91th percentile nationally makes Cumberland County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Cumberland County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Cumberland County's earthquake exposure at the 81th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Cumberland County residents benefit from registering with the county's special-needs evacuation registry if household members have mobility limitations, require electricity-dependent medical equipment, or cannot self-evacuate — registration in advance of storm season is required.

Regional Context

Cumberland County is 20.3 composite risk points above the Maine average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.

Is your household prepared for Cumberland County'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 Cumberland County, ME?
Cumberland County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 77th 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 Cumberland County?
Cumberland County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (91th percentile), earthquake (81th percentile), flooding (78th percentile), wildfire (39th percentile), tornado (25th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 91th 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 Cumberland County risk compare to the Maine average?
Cumberland County's composite risk percentile is 77th, compared to the Maine state average of 57th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Cumberland County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Maine.
Is Cumberland County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Cumberland County's hurricane risk is at the 91th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Cumberland County is at the 78th percentile.
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 Cumberland County higher risk than average?
Cumberland County's composite risk score of 77th percentile is above the Maine state average of 57th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by hurricane exposure (91th percentile), along with earthquake and flooding risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Penobscot County

Maine

+1.0

Relatively Low

78th percentile

Kennebec County

Maine

-1.8

Relatively Low

75th percentile

Aroostook County

Maine

+3.4

Relatively Low

80th percentile

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.

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