Dukes County Disaster Risk
Dukes County, Massachusetts
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
17th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#14
of 14 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
55th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Dukes County, Massachusetts
Dukes enjoys exceptional national safety standing
Dukes County's composite risk score of 16.79 places it among the safest counties in America, far below both the national average and typical disaster-prone regions. This very low rating reflects Dukes' island geography and relative isolation from mainland disaster pathways. Residents here enjoy significantly lower overall disaster exposure than most Americans.
Safest county in Massachusetts by far
Dukes County's 16.79 composite score dramatically outperforms all other Massachusetts counties and sits far below the state average of 78.84. Franklin County (60.72), the second-safest in the state, scores more than 3.5 times higher than Dukes. Island geography and distance from major hazard corridors make Dukes an exceptional outlier.
Dramatically safer than mainland counterparts
Dukes County's 16.79 score stands in stark contrast to every nearby or comparable Massachusetts county—Franklin (60.72), Hampshire (69.88), Berkshire (84.00), and Barnstable (89.09) all carry substantially higher risk. Even the state average (78.84) is nearly five times Dukes' score. Island location provides unmatched protection from tornadoes, earthquakes, and wind hazards.
Hurricane risk still registers; tornadoes rare
Despite overall safety, Dukes residents do face moderate hurricane risk (80.77), reflecting Atlantic exposure even on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Tornado (10.66) and earthquake (33.49) risks remain exceptionally low, and flood (55.40) and wildfire (27.86) threats are manageable. Hurricanes are your only significant hazard; most other county concerns barely register here.
Focus coverage narrowly on hurricane risk
While flood and earthquake insurance might feel unnecessary here, hurricane coverage should remain a priority given the 80.77 risk score and Atlantic exposure. Your homeowners policy should include robust wind/hurricane riders to cover storm damage. Compared to mainland counties, your insurance needs are refreshingly straightforward.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Dukes County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Dukes County
Risk Verdict
Dukes County's overall natural disaster score at the 17th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Being ranked at the 17th percentile nationally is an advantage for Dukes County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Dukes County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 55th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (33th percentile), wildfire (28th percentile), tornado (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane exposure at the 81th percentile nationally makes Dukes County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Dukes County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Flood at the 55th percentile nationally is Dukes County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Dukes 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
Dukes County's composite risk score sits 62.0 points below the Massachusetts county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Dukes County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.