Sussex County Disaster Risk
Sussex County, New Jersey
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
77th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#20
of 21 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
77th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sussex County, New Jersey
Sussex sits comfortably below national risk norms
Sussex County scores 77.45 on the composite risk scale, earning a relatively low risk rating that outperforms national averages for comparable counties. This favorable standing reflects Sussex's moderate exposure to natural hazards, making it one of the less threatened areas in its region.
Sussex ranks among New Jersey's safest counties
At 77.45, Sussex scores well below New Jersey's average of 90.81, placing it in the lower third of the state's risk rankings. This positions Sussex as one of New Jersey's safer counties for natural disaster exposure.
Sussex rivals Salem and Warren in risk profile
Sussex (77.45) shares comparable risk levels with nearby Salem (76.53) and Warren (80.76), creating a safer corridor in northwestern New Jersey. All three significantly outrank Somerset (90.94) and Union (95.48) in relative safety.
Flooding and hurricanes require attention
Sussex residents face flood risk at 77.32 and hurricane exposure at 71.46, both substantial enough to warrant precautions despite the county's overall low-risk rating. Tornado risk scores 44.08, making severe convective storms a secondary but real concern.
Prioritize flood coverage and storm readiness
Sussex homeowners should maintain flood insurance, especially those near rivers and floodplains, given the county's 77.32 flood risk score. Reinforcing roof straps and clearing gutters before hurricane season will strengthen defenses against the county's 71.46 hurricane risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sussex County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sussex County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Sussex County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 77th percentile. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Sussex County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 77th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 71th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (71th percentile), tornado (44th percentile), wildfire (37th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Sussex County's top hazard at the 77th 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. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 71th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Households across Sussex 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
Sussex County's composite risk score sits 13.4 points below the New Jersey county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Sussex County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sussex County, NJ?
What types of natural hazards affect Sussex County?
How does Sussex County risk compare to the New Jersey average?
Is Sussex County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Sussex 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.