Harford County Disaster Risk
Harford County, Maryland
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
72th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#7
of 24 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
78th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Harford County, Maryland
Harford County Above National Risk Average
Harford County scores 72.46 on the composite risk scale, placing it well above the national median and indicating significantly higher disaster exposure than the typical U.S. county. The county's hurricane risk (81.64), earthquake risk (76.08), and flood risk (78.37) all exceed national norms substantially. These multi-hazard exposures demand serious preparedness investment from residents.
Among Maryland's Riskier Jurisdictions
Harford County ranks among Maryland's higher-risk counties with a composite score of 72.46, exceeding the state average of 60.22. Only Montgomery County (91.67) and Frederick County (74.20) and Howard County (72.42) rank notably higher in the state. Harford's position in North-Central Maryland exposes it to multiple convergent hazard types.
Elevated Risk vs. Regional Peers
Harford County's composite score of 72.46 exceeds neighboring Cecil, Kent, and eastern counties but trails Montgomery (91.67) and Howard (72.42) counties. Baltimore County presents a similar risk profile, while Anne Arundel County ranks lower. Harford's elevated earthquake (76.08) and hurricane (81.64) scores reflect its coastal and seismic exposure.
Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Floods Loom
Harford County faces exceptional hurricane risk (81.64) and earthquake risk (76.08), both significantly above state and national averages. Flood risk reaches 78.37, threatening low-lying areas near the Chesapeake Bay and river systems. Tornado and wildfire risks remain modest at 35.66 and 18.96 respectively, offering some relief in the county's hazard portfolio.
Hurricane and Earthquake Coverage Critical
Harford County residents must obtain comprehensive homeowners insurance with explicit hurricane, wind, and earthquake coverage given the county's 81.64 hurricane and 76.08 earthquake risk scores. Flood insurance is essential for properties within one mile of the Chesapeake Bay, Susquehanna River, or mapped floodplains. Retrofit your home with storm shutters, reinforced roofing, and impact-resistant windows to withstand the county's significant coastal storm exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Harford County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Harford County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 72th, Harford County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Harford County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 78th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (76th percentile), tornado (36th percentile), wildfire (19th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 82th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Harford 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. Harford County's flood exposure at the 78th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Harford County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.
Regional Context
At 12.2 points above the Maryland state average, Harford County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Maryland county.
Is your household prepared for Harford County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Harford County, MD?
What types of natural hazards affect Harford County?
How does Harford County risk compare to the Maryland average?
Is Harford County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Harford 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.