Sullivan County Disaster Risk
Sullivan County, New Hampshire
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
38th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#10
of 10 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
61th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sullivan County, New Hampshire
Sullivan County enjoys very low national risk
Sullivan County's composite risk score of 37.56 earns it a Very Low rating, placing it well below the national average exposure to natural disasters. This county represents one of the safer jurisdictions in the country when considering all hazard types combined.
New Hampshire's safest county by a significant margin
Sullivan County's score of 37.56 is dramatically lower than New Hampshire's state average of 69.89, making it the state's most protected county against natural disasters. This 32-point gap underscores Sullivan's exceptional advantage across nearly all hazard categories.
Significantly safer than adjacent Strafford County
Sullivan's composite risk of 37.56 stands nearly half that of neighboring Strafford County's 64.09—a substantial protective buffer. Sullivan benefits from lower exposure across all major hazards, particularly wildfire (13.74 vs. 34.51) and tornado risk (22.71 vs. 42.21).
Flood and hurricane risks deserve attention
Despite Sullivan's overall low-risk profile, flood (60.62) and hurricane (67.04) represent the county's most elevated hazards, though both remain below state averages. Wildfire (13.74) and tornado (22.71) risks are exceptionally low, reflecting the county's inland location and landscape characteristics.
Standard coverage typically sufficient for Sullivan
Sullivan County residents benefit from relatively modest disaster exposure, though flood insurance remains prudent for properties in flood zones along rivers and streams. Standard homeowners policies adequately cover most risks, but reviewing coverage limits ensures protection if major hurricanes or flooding events impact the region.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sullivan County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sullivan County
Risk Verdict
Sullivan County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 38th percentile nationally. Sullivan County's 38th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Sullivan County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 67th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 61th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (43th percentile), tornado (23th percentile), wildfire (14th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane risk is Sullivan County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 67th percentile nationally. The most time-sensitive preparedness step is knowing the county's evacuation zone for your address — zone maps are published by the county emergency management office. Sullivan County's flood exposure at the 61th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Sullivan County's county emergency management office publishes official evacuation zone maps with zone-specific shelter locations; downloading this map and identifying your zone assignment is the single highest-value pre-season step.
Regional Context
The New Hampshire county average exceeds Sullivan County's score by 32.3 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Sullivan County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sullivan County, NH?
What types of natural hazards affect Sullivan County?
How does Sullivan County risk compare to the New Hampshire average?
Is Sullivan County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Sullivan 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.