Belknap County Disaster Risk
Belknap County, New Hampshire
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
57th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#9
of 10 (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 25% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Belknap County, New Hampshire
Belknap: Well Below National Risk
Belknap County scores 57.38 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category and well below the national average of 69.89. This means residents face lower exposure to major natural disasters compared to most American counties.
Safest County in New Hampshire
Among New Hampshire's eight counties, Belknap ranks safest with the lowest composite risk score of 57.38. Its 12-point advantage below the state average of 69.89 reflects more favorable natural disaster exposure across all hazard types.
Safer Than All Surrounding Counties
Belknap's risk profile stands notably safer than neighboring Carroll (70.96) and Merrimack (78.21) counties. Even compared to nearby Cheshire County (60.50), Belknap maintains one of the state's lowest overall risk signatures.
Watch for Hurricanes and Floods
Hurricane risk tops Belknap's hazard profile at 78.39, followed by flood risk at 70.32—both driven by the county's proximity to the Atlantic coast and major watersheds. Earthquake risk of 59.80 remains moderate, while tornado and wildfire threats are relatively contained.
Prioritize Hurricane and Flood Insurance
Belknap residents should secure robust homeowners insurance covering hurricane and flood damage, as these remain the county's dominant natural disaster threats. Even in lower-risk counties, 1 in 5 properties experience costly water damage over 30 years.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Belknap County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Belknap County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Belknap County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 57th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Belknap County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Belknap County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 78th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (60th percentile), tornado (31th percentile), wildfire (25th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane exposure at the 78th percentile nationally makes Belknap County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Belknap County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Belknap County's flood exposure at the 70th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Belknap 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
Belknap County's composite risk score sits 12.5 points below the New Hampshire county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Belknap County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Belknap County, NH?
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Is Belknap 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.