Talbot County Disaster Risk
Talbot County, Maryland
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
42th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#20
of 24 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
71th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Talbot County, Maryland
Talbot County maintains very low disaster risk
Talbot County's composite risk score of 42.37 places it well below both the national average and Maryland's state average of 60.22. The county's 'very low' rating reflects moderate but manageable exposure to natural hazards across all major categories.
Among Maryland's safest counties overall
Talbot County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Maryland with a composite score of 42.37, nearly 18 points below the state average. Its favorable position reflects a balanced hazard profile with no single threat reaching extreme levels.
Similar to St. Mary's, safer than Somerset
Talbot County (42.37) shares nearly identical risk exposure with nearby St. Mary's County (42.56), while maintaining substantially lower risk than Somerset County (59.57) and Wicomico County (60.78). Its Eastern Shore location provides comparative protection across multiple hazard types.
Hurricanes and wildfire are your main concerns
Hurricane risk reaches 83.19 in Talbot County, while wildfire risk stands at 71.15—both elevated but manageable compared to your very low overall score. These two hazards account for the majority of your disaster exposure despite your favorable composite rating.
Standard insurance with selective upgrades
Your county's very low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance covers most potential losses adequately. Add wind damage coverage for hurricane protection and consider flood insurance if you're near coastal areas, but your low-risk position doesn't require extensive additional coverage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Talbot County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Talbot County
Risk Verdict
Talbot County's overall natural disaster score at the 42th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Talbot County residents can take confidence from a 42th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Talbot County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 71th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (71th percentile), earthquake (59th percentile), tornado (32th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane exposure at the 83th percentile nationally makes Talbot County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Talbot County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Wildfire at the 71th percentile nationally is Talbot County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Talbot 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
Talbot County's composite risk score sits 17.9 points below the Maryland county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Talbot County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Talbot County, MD?
What types of natural hazards affect Talbot County?
How does Talbot County risk compare to the Maryland average?
Is Talbot County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Talbot 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.