Nantucket County Disaster Risk
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
39th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#13
of 14 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
70th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Nantucket County, Massachusetts
Nantucket has very low overall disaster risk
Nantucket County scores 38.68 on composite risk, placing it in the very low category—far below the national average. This score reflects minimal exposure to most natural hazards, with one notable exception.
Lowest-risk county in Massachusetts
Nantucket ranks as the safest county in Massachusetts, with a composite score of 38.68 compared to the state average of 78.84. The county's 51% reduction below the state baseline reflects exceptionally low tornado, earthquake, and wildfire risks.
Significantly safer than mainland peers
Nantucket's 38.68 score substantially trails other Massachusetts counties: Plymouth (90.36), Norfolk (92.02), and Suffolk (93.51) all exceed 90. Nantucket's isolation as an island community has created a unique low-risk profile across most hazard categories.
Hurricane exposure is your primary concern
Hurricane risk reaches 90.95 in Nantucket—among the highest in the county—reflecting the island's Atlantic exposure. Flood risk stands at 70.00, while wildfire (13.01), tornado (4.10), and earthquake (22.36) risks remain minimal.
Hurricane preparedness is your insurance priority
Standard homeowners policies typically cover hurricane wind damage, but you should verify your deductible and coverage limits given Nantucket's coastal location. Consider supplemental flood insurance, as storm surge and heavy rainfall can exceed standard policy limits even on this lower-risk island.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Nantucket County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Nantucket County
Risk Verdict
Nantucket County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 39th percentile nationally. Nantucket County's 39th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Nantucket County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (22th percentile), wildfire (13th percentile), tornado (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 91th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Nantucket County households benefit from reviewing both homeowners and flood insurance coverage before storm season begins — standard policies often exclude storm surge, which is the leading cause of hurricane fatalities. Flood at the 70th percentile nationally is Nantucket County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Nantucket County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.
Regional Context
Nantucket County falls 40.2 points below Massachusetts's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Nantucket County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Nantucket County, MA?
What types of natural hazards affect Nantucket County?
How does Nantucket County risk compare to the Massachusetts average?
Is Nantucket County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Nantucket 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.