Bristol County Disaster Risk
Bristol County, Massachusetts
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
90th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#8
of 14 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
94th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% 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 52% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Bristol County, Massachusetts
Bristol ranks among America's riskier counties
Bristol County's composite risk score of 89.85 places it in the upper tier of American disaster risk, well above the national average. This relatively high rating reflects Bristol's coastal position and exposure to multiple overlapping hazard types. Residents here face meaningfully more disaster risk than Americans in most other parts of the country.
Third-highest risk in Massachusetts
Bristol County's 89.85 composite score ranks third among Massachusetts counties, trailing only Essex (95.58) and Hampden (92.78) and running well above the state average of 78.84. Only Barnstable County (89.09) comes close to Bristol's risk profile. This top-tier position reflects Bristol's southcoastal geography and storm exposure.
Nearly tied with Barnstable; well above inland
Bristol's 89.85 score runs nearly even with neighboring Barnstable County (89.09) to the north, reflecting shared coastal vulnerability. Both dramatically outpace inland Franklin (60.72) and Hampshire (69.88) counties. The gap between Bristol and Dukes County (16.79) shows how powerfully coastal geography reshapes disaster risk in this region.
Flooding and hurricanes define your exposure
Bristol residents face exceptionally high flood risk (93.58) and hurricane risk (91.41), the two hazards most likely to cause serious property damage or displacement. Earthquake risk (88.58) also ranks notably high, while tornado (52.10) and wildfire (38.17) risks remain secondary concerns. Coastal storms and water represent your greatest challenges.
Flood insurance and wind coverage are essential
With flood (93.58) and hurricane (91.41) risks both in the 91-94 range, standard homeowners insurance leaves you dangerously exposed—federal flood insurance and enhanced wind/hurricane riders are non-negotiable. If you own property near coastal areas or mapped flood zones, elevation and hardening upgrades can significantly reduce vulnerability. Plan and review your coverage before every hurricane season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Bristol County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Bristol County
Risk Verdict
With a composite score at the 90th percentile, Bristol County sits above the national median for natural hazard exposure. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Bristol County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Bristol County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 91th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (89th percentile), tornado (52th percentile), wildfire (38th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 94th percentile nationally, Bristol 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 91th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Registering for Bristol 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
At 11.0 points above the Massachusetts state average, Bristol County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Massachusetts county.
Is your household prepared for Bristol County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Bristol County, MA?
What types of natural hazards affect Bristol County?
How does Bristol County risk compare to the Massachusetts average?
Is Bristol County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Bristol 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.