Cape May County Disaster Risk
Cape May County, New Jersey
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
91th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#14
of 21 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
99th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cape May County, New Jersey
Cape May County: moderate coastal risk
Cape May County registers a composite risk score of 91.03, placing it near the national average with a relatively moderate overall disaster risk profile. The score reflects primarily coastal hazards concentrated in this peninsula county.
Cape May near New Jersey's average
At 91.03, Cape May County sits just slightly above New Jersey's state average of 90.81, making it one of the state's least-risk counties. This makes Cape May relatively lower-risk compared to most other New Jersey communities.
Cape May: lower risk than neighbors
Cape May County (91.03) has substantially lower risk than Atlantic County (92.97) to the north and Cumberland County (82.57) to the west. Despite being lower-risk statewide, Cape May's coastal location still exposes it to significant flood and hurricane threats.
Cape May's primary hazards
Flood risk dominates at 99.40, making Cape May one of the state's most flood-vulnerable counties due to its coastal and low-lying geography. Hurricane risk (93.12) and wildfire risk (86.42) pose secondary but meaningful threats, while tornado risk (38.30) is comparatively lower.
Essential coverage for Cape May
Flood insurance is absolutely critical in Cape May County, where the 99.40 flood risk score reflects extreme coastal vulnerability to storm surge and inundation. Homeowners should also ensure comprehensive hurricane coverage through their standard policy or supplemental protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cape May County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cape May County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Cape May County at the 91th 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 Cape May County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 93th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (86th percentile), earthquake (74th percentile), tornado (38th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Cape May County's top hazard at the 99th 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. The county's second-ranked hazard, hurricane at the 93th percentile nationally, means Cape May County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Households across Cape May 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
Cape May County's risk score is broadly comparable to the New Jersey county average, with a 0.2-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Cape May County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cape May County, NJ?
What types of natural hazards affect Cape May County?
How does Cape May County risk compare to the New Jersey average?
Is Cape May County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Cape May 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.