Franklin County Disaster Risk
Franklin County, Maine
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
44th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#12
of 16 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
53th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Franklin County, Maine
Franklin County is Maine's safest
Franklin County's composite risk score of 43.64 sits notably below the national average, earning it a relatively low risk rating. This inland, mountainous county benefits from distance to the coast, resulting in modest tornado, wildfire, and earthquake risks.
Lowest risk among Maine counties
At 43.64, Franklin ranks as Maine's least risky county—23% below the state average of 56.75. The county's position in Maine's interior and higher elevation provides natural protection against many hazard types.
Significantly safer than coastal peers
Franklin's 43.64 score is roughly half that of coastal neighbors like Cumberland (77.00) and Aroostook (80.41). This dramatic difference reflects the protective effect of inland geography and distance from Atlantic hurricane pathways.
Hurricane risk still needs attention
Even inland Franklin faces hurricane risk at 80.85, your highest threat despite the county's relatively low overall score. Flood risk (52.99) ranks second, while tornado (12.37), wildfire (16.00), and earthquake (45.83) risks remain well below state averages.
Focus on hurricane and flood coverage
Prioritize windstorm and hurricane coverage in your policy, as the 80.85 hurricane risk still poses significant exposure despite Franklin's overall safety. Standard homeowners insurance often includes flood protection, but verify your policy details—your relatively low risk profile may mean lower premiums for solid coverage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Franklin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Franklin County
Risk Verdict
At the 44th percentile nationally, Franklin County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Being ranked at the 44th percentile nationally is an advantage for Franklin County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Franklin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 53th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (46th percentile), wildfire (16th percentile), tornado (12th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Franklin County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 81th percentile nationally. Having a designated out-of-area contact, a pre-packed go-bag with medications and documents, and a confirmed evacuation route reduces decision-making load when a storm intensifies rapidly. Flood, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 53th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Franklin County independent of hurricane season. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Franklin County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.
Regional Context
Compared to the Maine county average, Franklin County's composite score runs 13.1 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Franklin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Franklin County, ME?
What types of natural hazards affect Franklin County?
How does Franklin County risk compare to the Maine average?
Is Franklin County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Franklin County a safe place to live?
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.