Merrimack County Disaster Risk
Merrimack County, New Hampshire
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
78th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#4
of 10 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
86th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Merrimack County, New Hampshire
Merrimack County Above National Average
Merrimack County's composite risk score of 78.21 exceeds the national average of 69.89 by about 8 points, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category. Residents face above-average disaster exposure compared to most U.S. counties.
Second-Highest Risk in New Hampshire
Merrimack County ranks second-riskiest among New Hampshire's eight counties with a composite score of 78.21, trailing only Hillsborough (89.76). It exceeds the state average of 69.89 across all major hazard categories.
Riskier Than Belknap and Cheshire
Merrimack County (78.21) significantly exceeds neighboring Belknap (57.38) and Cheshire (60.50) counties to the south. Its tornado risk of 56.17 and flood risk of 85.81 reflect its central location in New Hampshire's hazard corridor.
Floods, Tornadoes, and Earthquakes Loom
Merrimack County's top hazards are flood (85.81), hurricane (84.81), and tornado (56.17), all significantly elevated compared to state averages. Earthquake risk of 76.14 adds further concern, reflecting the county's convergence of multiple disaster zones.
Secure Multi-Hazard Insurance Coverage
Merrimack County residents should carry separate flood insurance and comprehensive windstorm/tornado coverage given the combined threats of 85.81 flood, 84.81 hurricane, and 56.17 tornado risks. Standard policies rarely provide adequate protection against all three.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Merrimack County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Merrimack County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 78th, Merrimack County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Merrimack County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Merrimack County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 85th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (76th percentile), tornado (56th percentile), wildfire (35th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 86th percentile nationally, Merrimack County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. The county's second-ranked hazard, hurricane at the 85th percentile nationally, means Merrimack County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Registering for Merrimack County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
At 8.3 points above the New Hampshire state average, Merrimack County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical New Hampshire county.
Is your household prepared for Merrimack County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Merrimack County, NH?
What types of natural hazards affect Merrimack County?
How does Merrimack County risk compare to the New Hampshire average?
Is Merrimack County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Merrimack 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.