Atlantic County Disaster Risk
Atlantic County, New Jersey
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
93th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#12
of 21 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
96th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 94% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Atlantic County, New Jersey
Atlantic County's moderate risk profile
Atlantic County scores 92.97 on the composite risk scale, placing it slightly above the national average and marking it as relatively moderate in overall disaster risk. This score reflects meaningful exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly coastal and water-related threats that define much of the county's geography.
Ranking among New Jersey counties
At 92.97, Atlantic County exceeds New Jersey's state average composite risk score of 90.81, putting it in the middle-to-upper tier of risk exposure statewide. The county faces higher-than-average vulnerability compared to many inland New Jersey communities.
How Atlantic compares nearby
Atlantic County's risk profile sits between Cape May County (91.03) to the south and Burlington County (93.61) to the north, making it a moderate risk zone along New Jersey's shore. All three counties share substantial flood and hurricane exposure, though Atlantic's wildfire risk (94.31) is notably higher than Cape May's.
Atlantic's top three hazards
Hurricane risk dominates at 95.79, making Atlantic one of New Jersey's most vulnerable counties for major storms and coastal surge. Flood risk (96.20) and wildfire risk (94.31) round out the top threats, each posing significant seasonal challenges across different parts of the county.
Insurance for Atlantic County homeowners
Homeowners and renters in Atlantic County should prioritize flood insurance, which is critical given the 96.20 flood risk score and is often excluded from standard policies. Consider also reviewing coverage for hurricane damage and wind, which affect coastal and inland properties alike.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Atlantic County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Atlantic County
Risk Verdict
Atlantic County's overall risk score at the 93th percentile nationally signals meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Atlantic County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 96th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (94th percentile), earthquake (88th percentile), tornado (53th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Atlantic County sits at the 96th percentile nationally for flood exposure. Knowing your property's flood zone designation — available at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — is the first step toward understanding actual exposure and insurance options. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 96th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Regardless of specific hazard, Atlantic County households benefit from a practiced communication plan: a designated out-of-state contact and a pre-agreed evacuation destination established before the season's peak risk period.
Regional Context
The county's composite score diverges by only 2.2 points from the New Jersey average, making Atlantic County's hazard profile broadly typical for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Atlantic County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Atlantic County, NJ?
What types of natural hazards affect Atlantic County?
How does Atlantic County risk compare to the New Jersey average?
Is Atlantic County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Atlantic 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.