Hunterdon County Disaster Risk
Hunterdon County, New Jersey
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
79th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#19
of 21 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
87th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hunterdon County, New Jersey
Hunterdon County has below-state-average risk
Hunterdon County scores 78.69 for composite disaster risk, earning a relatively low rating and sitting well below New Jersey's state average of 90.81. This positions it as one of the safer counties in the state despite still facing meaningful hazard exposure.
Among the safer counties in New Jersey
Hunterdon County ranks as the lowest-risk county in this dataset, with a composite score of 78.69 compared to the state average of 90.81. This 12-point gap reflects notably lower exposure to major disaster types across the county.
Significantly safer than surrounding areas
Hunterdon County (78.69) is considerably less risky than Morris County (92.88) to its east and Mercer County (95.36) to its south. Its lower composite score is driven by reduced wildfire and tornado exposure compared to more populated neighbors.
Flooding and earthquakes remain concerns
Despite lower overall risk, Hunterdon County still faces notable flood risk at 86.77, driven by river systems and regional precipitation patterns. Earthquake risk scores 75.51, though wildfire risk (26.34) and tornado risk (51.43) are substantially lower than state averages.
Don't skip insurance despite lower ratings
Even in lower-risk Hunterdon County, flood insurance is essential since flooding causes significant damage and standard homeowner policies exclude it. Review your earthquake and windstorm coverage annually, and maintain emergency supplies for the hazards that do affect the region.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hunterdon County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hunterdon County
Risk Verdict
Hunterdon County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 79th percentile across all U.S. counties. Hunterdon County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Hunterdon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 76th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (75th percentile), tornado (51th percentile), wildfire (26th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 87th percentile nationally, Hunterdon County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. Secondary earthquake exposure at the 76th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Hunterdon County households.
Regional Context
Hunterdon County is 12.1 composite risk points below the New Jersey state mean, meaning most other New Jersey counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Hunterdon County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hunterdon County, NJ?
What types of natural hazards affect Hunterdon County?
How does Hunterdon County risk compare to the New Jersey average?
Is Hunterdon County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Hunterdon 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.