Somerset County Disaster Risk
Somerset County, Maryland
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
60th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#12
of 24 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
93th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Somerset County, Maryland
Somerset's risk mirrors Maryland's statewide average
Somerset County's composite risk score of 59.57 sits just below Maryland's state average of 60.22, placing it in the 'relatively low' risk category. The county's risk profile is notably shaped by extreme water hazards rather than wind or seismic threats.
Mid-range risk among Maryland counties
Somerset County ranks in the middle tier of Maryland's risk landscape, with its 59.57 score placing it safely below Prince George's County (93.16) but above several other Eastern Shore counties. Its risk is concentrated in specific hazard types rather than distributed across multiple threats.
Riskier than Talbot and St. Mary's, similar to Wicomico
Somerset County (59.57) faces greater overall risk than nearby Talbot County (42.37) and St. Mary's County (42.56), but closely mirrors Wicomico County (60.78) and Worcester County (68.19). The Somerset Peninsula's unique geography creates a distinct risk profile among Eastern Shore counties.
Floods and hurricanes drive your hazard exposure
Somerset County's flood risk reaches 93.20 and hurricane risk stands at 88.78—both extreme levels that reflect the county's low-lying coastal and peninsula geography. These water-related threats vastly outweigh tornado risk (16.86) and wildfire exposure, making water hazards your dominant concern.
Flood and hurricane insurance are essential
Somerset County's extreme flood (93.20) and hurricane (88.78) risks make separate flood insurance and comprehensive wind coverage non-negotiable protections. Evaluate your home's elevation and proximity to water, and consider mitigation investments like improved drainage or storm shutters to reduce vulnerability.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Somerset County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Somerset County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 60th, Somerset 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
Flood risk is Somerset County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 89th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (86th percentile), earthquake (38th percentile), tornado (17th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 93th percentile nationally, Somerset County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. Alongside flooding, hurricane exposure at the 89th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Registering for Somerset County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
Somerset County tracks the Maryland county average closely, sitting 0.6 composite points below the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within Maryland.
Is your household prepared for Somerset County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Somerset County, MD?
What types of natural hazards affect Somerset County?
How does Somerset County risk compare to the Maryland average?
Is Somerset County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Somerset 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.