Washington County Disaster Risk
Washington County, Maryland
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
69th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#9
of 24 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
73th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Washington County, Maryland
Washington County faces above-average disaster risk
Washington County's composite risk score of 68.77 exceeds both the national average and Maryland's state average of 60.22, placing it in the 'relatively low' risk category. The county's risk is driven primarily by earthquake and hurricane exposure rather than wind or water hazards.
Higher-risk county in Maryland's west
Washington County ranks above the state average with a composite risk score of 68.77, making it one of Maryland's moderate-risk areas. Its western location exposes it to earthquake hazards and tornado activity that neighboring counties experience less intensely.
Riskier than most neighbors, similar to Worcester
Washington County (68.77) faces greater overall risk than Queen Anne's (35.62), St. Mary's (42.56), and Talbot (42.37) counties, while closely matching Worcester County (68.19). Its position in western Maryland creates a distinct hazard profile compared to Eastern Shore neighbors.
Earthquakes and tornadoes drive your exposure
Earthquake risk reaches 76.53 in Washington County—the highest among this cohort of counties—while tornado risk stands at 61.96. Together these seismic and wind threats account for most of your elevated overall risk, reflecting your western Maryland location near the Appalachian region.
Standard coverage plus earthquake protection
Washington County's above-average earthquake risk (76.53) makes earthquake insurance a valuable addition to your standard homeowners policy, unlike most Maryland counties. Ensure your tornado coverage is robust and verify your policy's seismic protection—these represent your primary hazard exposures.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Washington County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Washington County
Risk Verdict
At the 69th percentile nationally, Washington County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Washington County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Washington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 77th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (73th percentile), tornado (62th percentile), wildfire (38th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Washington County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 86th percentile nationally. Having a designated out-of-area contact, a pre-packed go-bag with medications and documents, and a confirmed evacuation route reduces decision-making load when a storm intensifies rapidly. Washington County's earthquake exposure at the 77th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Washington County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.
Regional Context
Washington County falls 8.5 points above Maryland's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Washington County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Washington County, MD?
What types of natural hazards affect Washington County?
How does Washington County risk compare to the Maryland average?
Is Washington County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Washington 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.