Strafford County Disaster Risk
Strafford County, New Hampshire
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
64th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#7
of 10 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
76th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% 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
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Strafford County, New Hampshire
Strafford faces moderate disaster risk nationally
Strafford County scores 64.09 on composite risk, rating it as Relatively Low compared to the nation's average exposure. This means the county experiences meaningful but manageable hazard threats across multiple disaster types, positioning it in the lower-to-middle range of U.S. counties.
Below-average risk within New Hampshire
Strafford's composite risk score of 64.09 sits below New Hampshire's state average of 69.89, making it one of the safer counties in the state. This relative advantage comes despite elevated earthquake and hurricane exposure compared to other hazard types.
Safer than Sullivan but exposed to coastal threats
Strafford's score of 64.09 significantly exceeds Sullivan County's 37.56, reflecting Strafford's greater exposure to earthquake (77.39 vs. 43.07) and hurricane risks (76.55 vs. 67.04). Both counties cluster well below the state average, but Strafford's proximity to the Atlantic coast amplifies its compound weather risks.
Earthquakes and hurricanes pose greatest threats
Strafford residents face the highest hazard exposure from earthquakes (77.39) and hurricanes (76.55), followed by significant flood risk (75.95)—all elevated relative to state and national baselines. Tornado and wildfire risks remain comparatively low at 42.21 and 34.51 respectively, offering some protection in those hazard categories.
Prioritize coverage for earthquakes and hurricanes
Homeowners in Strafford should ensure comprehensive insurance addressing earthquake damage and hurricane impact, as standard policies often exclude these perils. Flood insurance is also wise given the county's above-average flood score of 75.95, particularly for properties in mapped risk zones or near rivers and coastal areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Strafford County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Strafford County
Risk Verdict
At the 64th percentile nationally, Strafford County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Strafford County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Strafford County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 77th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 77th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (76th percentile), tornado (42th percentile), wildfire (35th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Strafford County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 77th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. Hurricane at the 77th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Strafford County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. After a major earthquake, Strafford County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
Compared to the New Hampshire county average, Strafford County's composite score runs 5.8 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Strafford County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Strafford County, NH?
What types of natural hazards affect Strafford County?
How does Strafford County risk compare to the New Hampshire average?
Is Strafford County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Strafford 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.