Norfolk County Disaster Risk
Norfolk County, Massachusetts
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
92th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#6
of 14 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
95th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Norfolk County, Massachusetts
Norfolk carries moderately high disaster risk
Norfolk County scores 92.02 on composite risk, placing it in the relatively moderate category—above the national average. This score reflects substantial exposure to multiple hazards concentrated along the county's heavily populated coastal and urban areas.
Second-highest risk county in Massachusetts
Norfolk ranks second-riskiest in Massachusetts after Middlesex, with a composite score of 92.02 compared to the state average of 78.84. The county's 17% elevation above state average reflects particularly acute flood and earthquake vulnerabilities.
Riskier than Plymouth, safer than Middlesex
Norfolk's 92.02 score exceeds Plymouth County (90.36) but trails the state's highest-risk county, Middlesex (96.95). The county's flood risk (95.45) is comparable to regional peers, while its tornado risk (68.96) is among the lowest in its cluster.
Floods and earthquakes dominate your risks
Flood risk leads at 95.45, while earthquake risk reaches 91.51—both among Massachusetts's highest. Hurricane risk (92.20) and tornado risk (68.96) complete Norfolk's hazard portfolio, though less severe than some regional neighbors.
Bundle flood and earthquake insurance today
Standard homeowners policies exclude flood and earthquake coverage, both critical in Norfolk given your county's vulnerability. Securing separate flood and earthquake policies now protects your home's most significant risk exposures while rates remain manageable.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Norfolk County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Norfolk County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Norfolk County at the 92th percentile nationally — above average and worth proactive preparation. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Norfolk County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 92th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (92th percentile), tornado (69th percentile), wildfire (50th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Norfolk County's top hazard at the 95th percentile nationally. Households in or near designated flood zones face elevated financial exposure; flood insurance typically requires a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so applying before the season is advisable. The county's second-ranked hazard, hurricane at the 92th percentile nationally, means Norfolk County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Households across Norfolk County should identify the nearest community shelter and keep a basic emergency kit — water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, and battery radio — in a location easy to grab quickly.
Regional Context
Norfolk County is 13.2 composite risk points above the Massachusetts average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Norfolk County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Norfolk County, MA?
What types of natural hazards affect Norfolk County?
How does Norfolk County risk compare to the Massachusetts average?
Is Norfolk County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Norfolk 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.