Waldo County Disaster Risk
Waldo County, Maine
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
41th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#13
of 16 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
59th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Waldo County, Maine
Waldo County shows very low risk profile
Waldo County's composite risk score of 40.62 places it in the very low category, well below both the national average and Maine's state average of 56.75. The coastal county benefits from geographic characteristics and development patterns that minimize overall disaster vulnerability. Despite its oceanfront location, Waldo County ranks among Maine's safest communities from a natural hazard perspective.
Among Maine's lowest-risk counties
Waldo County's 40.62 composite score ranks it third-lowest in Maine, behind only Sagadahoc (23.35) and Piscataquis (52.35), making it one of the state's most naturally resilient areas. The county sits 16 points below Maine's state average, reflecting minimized exposure across most major hazard categories. This favorable profile contrasts sharply with higher-risk counties like Penobscot and York.
Safer than all surrounding counties
Waldo County's 40.62 score ranks it significantly lower than neighboring Penobscot County (78.02) to the north and Oxford County (65.90) to the west. Among its closest peers, only Sagadahoc County (23.35) to the south approaches comparable safety levels. Waldo's favorable risk profile places it in the safest tier of Maine coastal communities.
Hurricanes and floods are minimal concerns
Hurricane risk at 82.81 is Waldo County's highest hazard threat, but still represents minimal overall danger given the county's very low composite score. Flood risk at 58.80 affects localized areas near waterways and low-lying neighborhoods but poses limited community-wide risk. Earthquake (42.72), tornado (15.30), and wildfire (17.62) risks all remain negligible, making Waldo one of Maine's safest communities overall.
Basic insurance adequate for this county
Standard homeowners insurance provides sufficient coverage for Waldo County given the 40.62 very low risk profile, eliminating the need for specialized earthquake or comprehensive flood policies in most neighborhoods. Residents in documented flood zones should consider standalone flood insurance as a precaution, while basic wind coverage addresses minimal hurricane exposure. The county's exceptional safety makes it economical for homeowners to focus on maintenance and prevention rather than comprehensive multi-hazard coverage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Waldo County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Waldo County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Waldo County ranks at the 41th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Being ranked at the 41th percentile nationally is an advantage for Waldo County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Waldo County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 59th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (43th percentile), wildfire (18th percentile), tornado (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With hurricane ranked at the 83th percentile nationally, Waldo County sits in a zone where multi-day supply readiness matters: grid outages after landfalling storms can last one to three weeks in heavily affected areas. Flood at the 59th percentile nationally is Waldo County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Insurance gaps are the most common post-hurricane financial shock: standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood damage and may have a separate wind deductible. Waldo County households benefit from a pre-season insurance review confirming both wind and flood coverage.
Regional Context
At 16.1 points below the Maine state average, Waldo County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Waldo County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Waldo County, ME?
What types of natural hazards affect Waldo County?
How does Waldo County risk compare to the Maine average?
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How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Waldo 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.