Bedford County Disaster Risk
Bedford County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
68th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#35
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
84th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Bedford County, Pennsylvania
Bedford County Sits Just Above National Average Risk
Bedford County's composite risk score of 68.23 sits marginally above the national average, maintaining a relatively low risk rating. The county experiences modest natural disaster exposure comparable to many American communities, with particular vulnerability to hurricanes and flooding.
Barely Above Pennsylvania's Statewide Average
Bedford County's score of 68.23 sits just 0.78 points above Pennsylvania's 67.45 statewide average, placing it squarely in the middle tier of state risk. The county ranks well below higher-risk neighbors and benefits from relatively low tornado exposure.
Lower Risk Than Regional Peer Counties
Bedford County faces lower hazard exposure than neighboring Blair County (77.67) and Fulton County, maintaining one of the safer profiles in south-central Pennsylvania. The county benefits from rural character and modest population density compared to urban neighbors.
Hurricanes and Flooding Pose Primary Threats
Hurricane risk ranks highest in Bedford County at 77.81, reflecting Atlantic storm system vulnerability despite inland location. Flood risk follows at 83.97, while tornado (26.02) and wildfire (29.23) risks remain well below state averages.
Flood and Wind Coverage Recommended
Bedford County residents should secure flood insurance given the county's 83.97 flood risk, particularly in areas near streams and run-off zones. Ensure your homeowners policy covers wind and hurricane damage (77.81 risk), and consider an umbrella policy for additional protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Bedford County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Bedford County
Risk Verdict
Bedford County ranks at the 68th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Bedford County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 84th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 78th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (44th percentile), wildfire (29th percentile), tornado (26th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Bedford County sits at the 84th 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. Alongside flooding, hurricane exposure at the 78th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Regardless of specific hazard, Bedford 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 0.8 points from the Pennsylvania average, making Bedford County's hazard profile broadly typical for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Bedford County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Bedford County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect Bedford County?
How does Bedford County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Is Bedford County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Bedford 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.