Salem County Disaster Risk
Salem County, New Jersey
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
77th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#21
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 Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Salem County, New Jersey
Salem's risk sits below the national curve
Salem County scores 76.53 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low risk category—well below the national average for similar counties. This favorable rating reflects generally moderate hazard exposure across most natural disaster types, though specific risks merit attention.
Salem ranks safer than most New Jersey counties
At 76.53, Salem's composite risk score falls significantly below New Jersey's state average of 90.81, making it one of the safer counties in the state. Only a handful of New Jersey counties score lower, positioning Salem in the bottom third for disaster risk statewide.
Salem's safest peers include Sussex and Warren
Among nearby counties, Sussex (77.45) and Warren (80.76) have comparable risk profiles to Salem, while Somerset (90.94) and Union (95.48) face significantly higher exposure. Salem's relatively balanced hazard distribution makes it a lower-risk zone in the region.
Watch for flooding and earthquake threats
Flooding poses Salem's most pressing hazard with a risk score of 95.80, reflecting the county's vulnerable geography near tidal and river systems. Earthquake risk also registers at 79.61, a notable concern driven by geological proximity to seismic zones affecting the Northeast.
Flood insurance is essential for Salem residents
Given Salem's exceptionally high flood risk score of 95.80, comprehensive flood insurance should be a priority regardless of FEMA flood zone designation. Homeowners should also review earthquake coverage options and maintain updated emergency preparedness plans for their families.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Salem County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Salem County
Risk Verdict
Salem County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 77th percentile across all U.S. counties. Salem 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 Salem County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 80th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (77th percentile), wildfire (68th percentile), tornado (35th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 96th percentile nationally, Salem 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. The county's second-ranked hazard, earthquake at the 80th percentile nationally, means Salem County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. 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 Salem County households.
Regional Context
Salem County is 14.3 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 Salem County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Salem County, NJ?
What types of natural hazards affect Salem County?
How does Salem County risk compare to the New Jersey average?
Is Salem County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Salem 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.