Rockingham County Disaster Risk
Rockingham County, New Hampshire
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
86th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#2
of 10 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
93th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Rockingham County, New Hampshire
Rockingham County Well Above Average Risk
Rockingham County's composite risk score of 85.85 significantly exceeds the national average of 69.89, placing it in the "Relatively Moderate" category. Residents face substantially higher natural disaster exposure than most American counties.
Second-Riskiest County in State
Rockingham County ranks second-highest in disaster risk among New Hampshire's eight counties with a composite score of 85.85, trailing only Hillsborough (89.76). It substantially exceeds the state average of 69.89 in nearly every hazard category.
Much Riskier Than Western Counties
Rockingham (85.85) dramatically exceeds Belknap (57.38) and Cheshire (60.50) counties to the west. Its coastal location drives exceptional flood (92.80) and hurricane (83.77) scores, while inland neighbors face lower exposure.
Floods, Tornadoes, and Earthquakes Converge
Rockingham County experiences the state's highest flood risk at 92.80, plus severe tornado (73.54) and earthquake (87.53) risks, all well above national averages. Hurricane risk of 83.77 compounds these converging threats unique to its coastal location.
Multi-Hazard Insurance Is Essential
Rockingham County residents must obtain comprehensive flood insurance (92.80 risk), earthquake coverage (87.53 risk), and tornado/wind protection (73.54 risk) as top priorities. Given the convergence of hazards, consult a local agent to eliminate coverage gaps.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Rockingham County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Rockingham County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Rockingham County at the 86th 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 Rockingham County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 88th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (84th percentile), tornado (74th percentile), wildfire (48th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Rockingham County's top hazard at the 93th 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. Alongside flooding, earthquake exposure at the 88th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Households across Rockingham 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
Rockingham County is 16.0 composite risk points above the New Hampshire average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Rockingham County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Rockingham County, NH?
What types of natural hazards affect Rockingham County?
How does Rockingham County risk compare to the New Hampshire average?
Is Rockingham County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Rockingham 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.