Worcester County Disaster Risk
Worcester County, Massachusetts
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
94th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#3
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 63% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Worcester County, Massachusetts
Worcester carries moderately elevated disaster risk
Worcester County scores 93.54 on composite risk, placing it in the relatively moderate category—well above the national average. This score reflects consistent exposure across all major hazard types, with particularly acute hurricane and flood vulnerabilities.
Tied for third-highest risk in Massachusetts
Worcester ranks tied with Suffolk for third-riskiest county in Massachusetts, with a composite score of 93.54 compared to the state average of 78.84. The county's 19% elevation above the state baseline reflects broad geographic exposure across diverse hazard categories.
Comparable to Suffolk, below Middlesex risk
Worcester's 93.54 score nearly matches Suffolk (93.51) and trails only Middlesex (96.95) among Massachusetts counties. As the state's largest county by area, Worcester's diverse geography creates regionally variable risk, with western areas facing elevated wildfire exposure (62.60).
Hurricanes and floods dominate your hazards
Hurricane risk peaks at 96.62—Worcester's highest exposure—while flood risk reaches 95.29. Tornado risk (82.22) and earthquake risk (89.34) present secondary concerns, while wildfire risk (62.60) varies significantly across the county's extensive geography.
Prioritize flood and hurricane preparedness
Standard homeowners policies cover hurricane wind but exclude flood damage, requiring separate flood insurance given Worcester's 95.29 flood risk. For western Worcester residents, wildfire risk (62.60) warrants reviewing home hardening measures and ensuring adequate coverage for potential brush fire exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Worcester County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Worcester County
Risk Verdict
Worcester County's overall risk score at the 94th percentile nationally signals meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Worcester County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 95th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (89th percentile), tornado (82th percentile), wildfire (63th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Worcester County ranks at the 97th percentile nationally for hurricane risk. For coastal counties, wind-resistant shutters or impact-rated windows represent the highest single structural investment for reducing property damage. Worcester County's flood exposure at the 95th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For extended post-storm outages common in Worcester County's hurricane zone, a portable generator (operated outdoors only) and a supply of non-perishable food for at least seven days provides meaningful household resilience.
Regional Context
Compared to other Massachusetts counties, Worcester County runs 14.7 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Worcester County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Worcester County, MA?
What types of natural hazards affect Worcester County?
How does Worcester County risk compare to the Massachusetts average?
Is Worcester County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Worcester 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.