Caroline County Disaster Risk
Caroline County, Maryland
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
46th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#17
of 24 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
53th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Caroline County, Maryland
Caroline County's risk falls modestly below national norms
Caroline County's composite risk score of 45.71 earns a "Relatively Low" rating, placing it safely below the national average for natural disaster exposure. The county's Eastern Shore location insulates it from some—but not all—major hazard types.
Mid-pack safety within Maryland
Caroline County's 45.71 score sits substantially below Maryland's state average of 60.22, ranking it in the safer half of Maryland's 24 jurisdictions. The county avoids the extreme risk levels of Baltimore City and County while facing greater hazards than Calvert County (28.91).
Caroline ranks safer than most regional peers
Caroline County (45.71) faces lower overall risk than Anne Arundel (81.87), Baltimore County (93.99), and Baltimore City (95.01), but higher risk than Calvert County (28.91). Its Eastern Shore position creates geographic insulation from the worst urban and coastal concentrations.
Hurricanes and wildfires pose main threats
Caroline County residents face elevated hurricane risk (88.15) and significant wildfire exposure (63.74), reflecting its Eastern Shore location and forested terrain. Earthquake (52.77) and flood (53.40) hazards remain moderate, while tornado danger is minimal (24.14).
Focus on wind and forest fire protection
Caroline County homeowners should prioritize windstorm coverage for hurricane season and verify adequate protection for wildfire risk, particularly in forested areas. Flood insurance is advisable for properties in designated zones, and periodic policy reviews ensure coverage stays current.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Caroline County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Caroline County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 46th, Caroline County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. The 46th percentile national ranking is one lens; Caroline County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Caroline County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 88th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 64th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (53th percentile), earthquake (53th percentile), tornado (24th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 88th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Caroline 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. Wildfire at the 64th percentile nationally is Caroline County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Caroline County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.
Regional Context
Caroline County falls 14.5 points below Maryland's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Caroline County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Caroline County, MD?
What types of natural hazards affect Caroline County?
How does Caroline County risk compare to the Maryland average?
Is Caroline County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Caroline 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.