Prince George's County Disaster Risk
Prince George's County, Maryland
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
93th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#3
of 24 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
95th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Prince George's County, Maryland
Prince George's faces above-average disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 93.16, Prince George's County ranks significantly higher than the U.S. average, placing it in the relatively moderate risk category. The county's exposure to multiple hazard types—particularly tornadoes (95.13) and floods (94.59)—makes it one of Maryland's most vulnerable areas for natural disasters.
Highest-risk county in Maryland
Prince George's County has the highest composite risk score among all Maryland counties, well above the state average of 60.22. Its tornado and flood risks are especially pronounced, reflecting the county's geography and climate patterns that create compounding hazard exposure.
Significantly riskier than surrounding counties
Prince George's County (93.16) faces far greater disaster risk than neighboring Anne Arundel, Howard, and Montgomery counties. Its risk profile stands out even in the context of Maryland's coastal and central regions, driven primarily by extreme tornado and flood vulnerability.
Tornadoes and floods dominate your hazard profile
Tornadoes pose your single largest threat with a risk score of 95.13, while floods follow closely at 94.59—both well above typical exposure levels. These two hazards account for the majority of Prince George's elevated overall risk and should be your primary focus for preparation and home protection.
Prioritize comprehensive hazard insurance now
Given your county's extreme tornado and flood risks, standard homeowners insurance is insufficient—you need separate flood insurance and should verify tornado coverage in your policy. Consider a safe room or storm shelter installation and review your insurance annually, as Prince George's hazard exposure demands the highest level of preparedness.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Prince George's County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Prince George's County
Risk Verdict
Prince George's County's overall risk score at the 93th percentile nationally signals meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Prince George's County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 95th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (93th percentile), hurricane (92th percentile), wildfire (42th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Prince George's County ranks at the 95th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Prince George's County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. The secondary flood hazard at the 95th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Prince George's County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Prince George's County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
Compared to other Maryland counties, Prince George's County runs 32.9 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Prince George's County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Prince George's County, MD?
What types of natural hazards affect Prince George's County?
How does Prince George's County risk compare to the Maryland average?
Is Prince George's County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Prince George's 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.