Piscataquis County Disaster Risk
Piscataquis County, Maine
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
52th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#10
of 16 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
35th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Piscataquis County, Maine
Piscataquis is Maine's lowest-risk county
Piscataquis County's composite risk score of 52.35 places it in the relatively low category and actually falls below the Maine state average of 56.75. This northern inland county benefits from geographic isolation from coastal hazards and lower population density that reduces overall exposure to natural disasters. However, residents still face meaningful hurricane exposure (75.80) that can affect the region through tropical storm systems.
Among Maine's safest counties
Piscataquis County ranks near the bottom of Maine's natural disaster risk profile at 52.35, placing it among the state's lowest-risk areas alongside Sagadahoc and Waldo counties. Its composite score sits nearly 5 points below Maine's average, reflecting minimal exposure to tornadoes (8.87), earthquakes (40.62), and wildfires (9.16). The county's remote, forested character and limited urban infrastructure create a naturally resilient environment.
Safer than all surrounding counties
Piscataquis's 52.35 score ranks it as the lowest-risk county in its region, well below Penobscot County (78.02) to the east and Somerset County (67.94) to the south. Washington County (47.55) is the only northeastern Maine neighbor approaching similar risk levels, though Piscataquis's flood risk of 35.18 remains lower than Washington's 74.60. The county's inland location and forest-dominated landscape create a natural buffer against most major hazards.
Hurricanes present the main threat
Hurricane risk at 75.80 is Piscataquis County's primary natural disaster concern, though tropical storm impacts are less severe than in coastal Maine. Flood risk of 35.18 is relatively modest for Maine, making water damage less common than in downstream counties. Tornado (8.87) and wildfire (9.16) risks are negligible, allowing residents to concentrate preparedness efforts on wind and precipitation-related hazards from Atlantic storms.
Hurricane prep and basic insurance suffice
Standard homeowners insurance provides adequate coverage for Piscataquis County given the low composite risk of 52.35, though wind and hail endorsements strengthen hurricane preparedness. Flood insurance is less urgent than in coastal counties but may still benefit residents in river valleys and flood-prone neighborhoods. Regular maintenance, tree trimming, and roof reinforcement address the county's primary hurricane exposure more cost-effectively than comprehensive specialized coverage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Piscataquis County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Piscataquis County
Risk Verdict
At the 52th percentile nationally, Piscataquis County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Piscataquis County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Piscataquis County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 76th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 41th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (35th percentile), wildfire (9th percentile), tornado (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Piscataquis County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 76th 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. Earthquake at the 41th percentile nationally is Piscataquis County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Piscataquis County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.
Regional Context
At 4.4 points from the Maine county mean, Piscataquis County's overall disaster risk profile is close to typical for this state, with no dramatic deviation in either direction.
Is your household prepared for Piscataquis County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Piscataquis County, ME?
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How does Piscataquis County risk compare to the Maine average?
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Is Piscataquis 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.