Frederick County Disaster Risk
Frederick County, Maryland
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
74th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#6
of 24 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
82th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Frederick County, Maryland
Frederick County Above National Risk Average
Frederick County scores 74.20 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the higher end compared to the national median and indicating above-average disaster exposure. The county's elevated tornado risk (67.21), hurricane risk (79.27), and earthquake risk (74.59) all exceed national norms significantly. Flood risk of 81.58 rounds out a multi-hazard profile that demands comprehensive preparedness.
Among Maryland's Higher-Risk Counties
Frederick County ranks in the upper tier of Maryland counties with a composite score of 74.20, well above the state average of 60.22. Only Montgomery County (91.67) and Harford County (72.46) and Howard County (72.42) approach Frederick's risk level in Maryland. Frederick's elevated tornado, flood, and earthquake scores reflect its central Maryland location and varied topography.
Riskier Than Most Adjacent Counties
Frederick County's composite score of 74.20 exceeds neighboring Washington, Carroll, and Baltimore counties, though it closely trails Harford and Howard counties to the east. Frederick's tornado risk (67.21) is notably higher than regional peers, while its flood risk (81.58) aligns with other central Maryland counties. The county's convergence of multiple hazard types distinguishes it within the region.
Tornadoes, Floods, Hurricanes Matter Most
Frederick County's top three hazards are flood risk (81.58), hurricane risk (79.27), and earthquake risk (74.59), creating a complex hazard landscape. Tornado risk reaches 67.21, markedly higher than most Maryland counties and reflecting Frederick's position in a convergence zone for severe thunderstorms. Wildfire risk is relatively low at 27.64, offering one pocket of mitigation focus.
Prepare for Tornadoes and Floods
Frederick County residents should prioritize a safe room or basement shelter for tornado protection, as the county's 67.21 tornado risk score far exceeds state averages and demands active family drills. Flood insurance is essential for properties near streams and floodplains; the county's 81.58 flood score affects broad areas. Add earthquake and hurricane riders to your homeowners policy to cover Frederick's 74.59 and 79.27 risks respectively.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Frederick County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Frederick County
Risk Verdict
Frederick County's FEMA risk score places it at the 74th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Frederick County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 79th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (75th percentile), tornado (67th percentile), wildfire (28th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 82th percentile nationally for flood risk, Frederick County residents benefit from understanding their specific flood zone status. Even one inch of floodwater causes significant structural damage to properties outside officially designated high-risk zones. Alongside flooding, hurricane exposure at the 79th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Frederick County's primary hazards — including how to shelter in place or evacuate, and who to call — provides more real protection than a general emergency kit sitting unused on a shelf.
Regional Context
The Maryland county average is 14.0 composite points below Frederick County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Frederick County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Frederick County, MD?
What types of natural hazards affect Frederick County?
How does Frederick County risk compare to the Maryland average?
Is Frederick County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Frederick 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.