Howard County Disaster Risk
Howard County, Maryland
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
72th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#8
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 16% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 81% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Howard County, Maryland
Howard County Faces Elevated National Risk
Howard County scores 72.42 on the composite risk scale, placing it well above the national median and indicating significantly higher disaster exposure than average U.S. counties. The county's hurricane risk (81.18), earthquake risk (77.51), and flood risk (78.12) all exceed national norms substantially. This multi-hazard profile demands comprehensive preparation from Howard County residents.
Upper-Tier Risk Among Maryland Counties
Howard County ranks in the upper tier of Maryland counties with a composite score of 72.42, well above the state average of 60.22. Only Montgomery County (91.67), Frederick County (74.20), and Harford County (72.46) rank higher in Maryland. Howard's central Maryland location and proximity to seismic zones drive this elevated profile.
Similar Risk to Adjacent Counties
Howard County's composite score of 72.42 closely mirrors Harford County (72.46) and Frederick County (74.20) to the north and west. Montgomery County (91.67) to the south presents notably higher risk, while Anne Arundel and Carroll counties rank lower. Howard's hazard profile reflects its transition zone between coastal and inland Maryland dynamics.
Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Floods Priority
Howard County's primary hazards are hurricane risk (81.18), earthquake risk (77.51), and flood risk (78.12)—all well above national and state averages. Tornado risk reaches 42.24, moderate but significant compared to many Maryland counties. Wildfire risk remains low at 15.55, offering one mitigation advantage in the county's disaster landscape.
Secure Multiple Hazard Coverage Now
Howard County residents should immediately obtain homeowners insurance with explicit hurricane, earthquake, and wind damage riders, as the county's 81.18 hurricane and 77.51 earthquake scores demand enhanced coverage. Flood insurance is essential for properties within mapped floodplains or near the Patapsco River and tributaries; the county's 78.12 flood risk affects broad areas. Consider reinforcing your home's roof, windows, and foundation to withstand the county's multi-hazard exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Howard County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Howard County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Howard County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 72th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Howard County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Howard County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 78th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (78th percentile), tornado (42th percentile), wildfire (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane exposure at the 81th percentile nationally makes Howard County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Howard County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Flood, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 78th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Howard County independent of hurricane season. Howard County residents benefit from registering with the county's special-needs evacuation registry if household members have mobility limitations, require electricity-dependent medical equipment, or cannot self-evacuate — registration in advance of storm season is required.
Regional Context
Howard County is 12.2 composite risk points above the Maryland average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Howard County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Howard County, MD?
What types of natural hazards affect Howard County?
How does Howard County risk compare to the Maryland average?
Is Howard County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Howard 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.