Garrett County Disaster Risk
Garrett County, Maryland
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
16th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#24
of 24 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
35th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Garrett County, Maryland
Garrett County Ranks Among America's Safest
Garrett County scores just 16.00 on the composite risk scale, placing it among the safest counties nationally and far below the national median. This exceptionally low risk reflects reduced exposure to most major hazard types, with all scores falling well below national norms. Even the county's highest risk—hurricane at 63.83—remains moderate compared to the national average.
Maryland's Safest County Overall
Garrett County ranks as Maryland's safest jurisdiction with a composite score of 16.00, dramatically below the state average of 60.22 and substantially safer than every other Maryland county. Only Garrett and Kent County present very low risk ratings statewide. This exceptional safety profile makes Garrett County one of the most disaster-resilient regions in Maryland.
Safer Than All Regional Peers
Garrett County's composite score of 16.00 is substantially lower than Allegany County and every other surrounding jurisdiction in the region. Frederick County (74.20) and Washington County present dramatically higher risk profiles. Garrett's mountain geography and inland location insulate it from coastal hazards that plague eastern Maryland counties.
Hurricane Risk Only Notable Concern
Garrett County's sole significant hazard is hurricane risk at 63.83, which still remains moderate relative to coastal Maryland counties. Earthquake risk (32.44), flood risk (34.70), and wildfire risk (31.93) all present minimal exposure, while tornado risk is exceptionally low at 21.21. Overall, Garrett residents face one of the nation's most favorable natural disaster profiles.
Standard Coverage Meets Your Needs
Garrett County's low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides sufficient protection for most residents. Consider adding hurricane coverage as a precautionary measure given the county's 63.83 hurricane risk, though catastrophic storms remain unlikely. Earthquake and flood riders are optional unless your property lies in an unusual microgeographic exposure zone.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Garrett County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Garrett County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Garrett County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 16th percentile. Residents of Garrett County can use the 16th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Garrett County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 64th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 35th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (32th percentile), wildfire (32th percentile), tornado (21th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 64th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, Garrett County is in a zone where flood insurance matters beyond the primary wind risk: NFIP flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period before taking effect, making off-season enrollment the correct timing. Flood at the 35th percentile nationally is Garrett County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. For Garrett County households, the hurricane preparedness calendar matters: flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, wind-hardening retrofits take weeks to schedule, and evacuation route scouting is best done before a storm watch is issued.
Regional Context
Garrett County is 44.2 composite risk points below the Maryland state mean, meaning most other Maryland counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Garrett County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Garrett County, MD?
What types of natural hazards affect Garrett County?
How does Garrett County risk compare to the Maryland average?
Is Garrett County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Garrett 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.