Somerset County Disaster Risk
Somerset County, Maine
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
68th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#6
of 16 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
62th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% 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 59% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Somerset County, Maine
Somerset faces moderate hazard exposure
Somerset County's composite risk score of 67.94 places it in the relatively low category but above the national average, reflecting meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazards. The county experiences elevated risks across earthquakes (59.35), hurricanes (85.90), and floods (61.80), creating a diverse disaster profile typical of inland New England. This regional pattern reflects Somerset's location in a seismic zone vulnerable to Atlantic tropical storm influence.
Mid-range risk among Maine counties
Somerset County's 67.94 composite score ranks it fourth among Maine's 16 counties, exceeding the state average of 56.75 by 11 points. The county sits between lower-risk peers like Waldo (40.62) and higher-risk neighbors like Penobscot (78.02), positioning it as a moderate-concern area requiring balanced disaster preparedness. Its risk profile is comparable to Oxford County (65.90), its geographic neighbor to the south.
Slightly riskier than Oxford to the south
Somerset's 67.94 score marginally exceeds neighboring Oxford County (65.90) to the south, reflecting comparable but distinct hazard patterns. The county faces similar hurricane (85.90 vs. 86.11) and earthquake exposure (59.35 vs. 60.27) but greater flood risk (61.80 vs. 73.25). To the north, Piscataquis County (52.35) presents substantially lower risk, primarily due to its inland location and lower flood exposure.
Hurricanes and earthquakes are priorities
Hurricane risk at 85.90 represents Somerset County's most significant natural hazard threat, with tropical storms capable of affecting the region through direct wind and precipitation impacts. Earthquake risk at 59.35 poses a secondary but substantial concern, particularly for older structures not designed to withstand seismic forces. Flood risk at 61.80 rounds out the top three hazards, affecting river valleys and areas with poor drainage infrastructure.
Earthquake and hurricane protection essential
Earthquake insurance becomes important in Somerset County given the 59.35 score, protecting against foundation damage and structural failure that standard policies exclude. Wind and hail coverage is critical for the 85.90 hurricane risk, and flood insurance should cover properties in river valleys and low-lying areas. Seismic retrofitting of foundations and roof reinforcement provide cost-effective complements to comprehensive insurance coverage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Somerset County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Somerset County
Risk Verdict
Somerset County ranks at the 68th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Somerset County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 62th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (59th percentile), wildfire (22th percentile), tornado (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Somerset County ranks at the 86th percentile nationally for hurricane risk. For coastal counties, wind-resistant shutters or impact-rated windows represent the highest single structural investment for reducing property damage. Flood, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 62th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Somerset County independent of hurricane season. For extended post-storm outages common in Somerset County's hurricane zone, a portable generator (operated outdoors only) and a supply of non-perishable food for at least seven days provides meaningful household resilience.
Regional Context
Compared to other Maine counties, Somerset County runs 11.2 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Somerset County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Somerset County, ME?
What types of natural hazards affect Somerset County?
How does Somerset County risk compare to the Maine average?
Is Somerset County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Somerset 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.