York County Disaster Risk
York County, Maine
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
81th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#1
of 16 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
87th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in York County, Maine
York County faces above-average risk
York County's composite risk score of 81.46 places it in the relatively moderate category and substantially above the national average, making it Maine's highest-risk county overall. The southernmost Maine county experiences elevated exposure across nearly all hazard categories: hurricanes (91.53), earthquakes (83.81), floods (86.60), and even tornadoes (46.47). This comprehensive vulnerability reflects York's densely populated coastal character and location in a complex geological zone.
Maine's highest-risk county
York County's 81.46 composite score ranks it as Maine's most hazard-exposed county, exceeding the state average of 56.75 by 24.7 points. The county stands as the only Maine community rated in the relatively moderate category, setting it apart from all 15 other counties that score lower. This elevated risk profile makes York County a statewide priority for disaster preparedness and mitigation.
Far riskier than all adjacent counties
York County's 81.46 score dramatically exceeds neighboring Oxford County (65.90) to the north and all other surrounding counties in southern Maine. The county's closest competitor for high risk is Penobscot County (78.02), placing York in an isolated tier of elevated vulnerability. No comparable Maine county approaches York's comprehensive exposure across multiple major natural hazards.
Hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes paramount
Hurricane risk peaks at 91.53 in York County, the highest in all of Maine, making tropical storm impact the dominant natural hazard threat. Flood risk at 86.60 compounds this danger, particularly in densely developed coastal areas and river valleys where water accumulation poses severe damage risk. Earthquake risk at 83.81 adds a third major concern, with seismic events capable of triggering secondary flooding and infrastructure collapse in aging structures.
Comprehensive multi-hazard coverage mandatory
Flood insurance is absolutely essential in York County given the 86.60 flood risk score and standard exclusions in homeowners policies. Earthquake insurance becomes a prudent investment given the 83.81 score—one of Maine's highest—and comprehensive wind/hail coverage is critical for the 91.53 hurricane exposure. Foundation retrofitting, roof reinforcement, and elevation improvements provide complementary protection for properties in York County's high-risk environment.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in York County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: York County
Risk Verdict
With a composite score at the 81th percentile, York County sits above the national median for natural hazard exposure. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; York County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is York County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 87th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (84th percentile), wildfire (56th percentile), tornado (46th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 92th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, York County households benefit from reviewing both homeowners and flood insurance coverage before storm season begins — standard policies often exclude storm surge, which is the leading cause of hurricane fatalities. Flood, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 87th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for York County independent of hurricane season. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. York County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.
Regional Context
At 24.7 points above the Maine state average, York County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Maine county.
Is your household prepared for York County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in York County, ME?
What types of natural hazards affect York County?
How does York County risk compare to the Maine average?
Is York County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is York 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.