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

Lincoln County Disaster Risk

Lincoln County, Maine

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

32th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#14

of 16 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

70th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 70% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 19% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 15% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 47% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Moderate

Higher than 83% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Lincoln County, Maine

Lincoln ranks among America's safest

Lincoln County's composite risk score of 31.81 places it in the very low risk category nationally, among the safest counties in America. The county's minimal earthquake (47.07), tornado (14.89), and wildfire (18.70) exposure create exceptional baseline protection.

Maine's safest county

At 31.81, Lincoln ranks as Maine's lowest-risk county, 44% below the state average of 56.75. This exceptional safety profile extends across nearly every hazard type measured.

Standout safe zone on Maine coast

Lincoln's 31.81 score is dramatically safer than nearby coastal counties like Hancock (55.03) and Cumberland (77.00), and approaches inland Franklin (43.64). The county's low-density geography and favorable terrain create unusual protection for a coastal location.

Hurricane is your sole major threat

Hurricane risk (83.44) is Lincoln's only significant hazard, while flood (69.80), earthquake (47.07), tornado (14.89), and wildfire (18.70) all score well below averages. This makes Lincoln's risk profile exceptionally focused and manageable.

Hurricane coverage solves 90% of risk

Prioritize windstorm and hurricane coverage given the 83.44 score—this single policy rider addresses your county's primary vulnerability. Standard homeowners coverage likely covers your other hazards adequately, making Lincoln one of Maine's lowest-cost counties for comprehensive protection.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Lincoln County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    HurricanePrepare
    83th percentile
  2. #2
    FloodPrepare
    70th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    47th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Lincoln County

Risk Verdict

Natural disaster exposure in Lincoln County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 32th percentile. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Lincoln County's favorable 32th percentile ranking.

Hazard Breakdown

Hurricane risk is Lincoln County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (47th percentile), wildfire (19th percentile), tornado (15th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 83th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, Lincoln County is in a zone where flood insurance matters beyond the primary wind risk: NFIP flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period before taking effect, making off-season enrollment the correct timing. Flood at the 70th percentile nationally is Lincoln County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. For Lincoln County households, the hurricane preparedness calendar matters: flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, wind-hardening retrofits take weeks to schedule, and evacuation route scouting is best done before a storm watch is issued.

Regional Context

Lincoln County is 24.9 composite risk points below the Maine state mean, meaning most other Maine counties face higher natural hazard exposure.

Is your household prepared for Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, ME?
Lincoln County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 32th 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 Lincoln County?
Lincoln County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: hurricane (83th percentile), flooding (70th percentile), earthquake (47th percentile), wildfire (19th percentile), tornado (15th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is hurricane at the 83th 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 Lincoln County risk compare to the Maine average?
Lincoln County's composite risk percentile is 32th, compared to the Maine state average of 57th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Lincoln County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Maine.
Is Lincoln County at risk for hurricane?
Yes, Lincoln County's hurricane risk is at the 83th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Lincoln County is at the 70th 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.
Is Lincoln County a safe place to live?
Lincoln County's composite risk score of 32th percentile is below the Maine state average of 57th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is hurricane at the 83th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
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.