Middlesex County Disaster Risk
Middlesex County, Massachusetts
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
97th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#1
of 14 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
99th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Middlesex faces above-average disaster risk
Middlesex County scores 96.95 on composite risk, placing it in the relatively high category—well above the national average. This score reflects substantial exposure across multiple hazard types, from earthquakes to hurricanes.
Highest-risk county in Massachusetts
Middlesex ranks as the riskiest county in Massachusetts, with a composite score of 96.95 compared to the state average of 78.84. The county's 23% elevation above the state baseline signals concentrated vulnerability across most natural disaster categories.
Significantly riskier than surrounding counties
Middlesex outpaces its regional neighbors: Suffolk County scores 93.51, Worcester scores 93.54, and Norfolk scores 92.02. The county's flood risk (98.51) is the highest in its region, driven by extensive coastal and riverine exposure.
Floods and earthquakes top your hazard list
Flood risk dominates at 98.51—among the highest in the nation—while earthquake risk reaches 96.09. Tornado risk (90.11) and hurricane risk (95.45) round out Middlesex's multi-faceted threat profile, requiring comprehensive preparedness.
Prioritize flood and earthquake coverage now
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood or earthquake damage; both require separate policies in Middlesex. Given your county's exceptional exposure, bundling flood and earthquake coverage with your home policy is essential protection against your area's primary risks.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Middlesex County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Middlesex County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard exposure in Middlesex County is notably high, placing it at the 97th percentile among all U.S. counties. Middlesex County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Middlesex County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 96th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (95th percentile), tornado (90th percentile), wildfire (73th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 99th percentile nationally, Middlesex County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. Alongside flooding, earthquake exposure at the 96th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Middlesex County households.
Regional Context
A composite score 18.1 points above the Massachusetts state average puts Middlesex County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Middlesex County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Middlesex County, MA?
What types of natural hazards affect Middlesex County?
How does Middlesex County risk compare to the Massachusetts average?
Is Middlesex County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Middlesex 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.