Blair County Disaster Risk
Blair County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
78th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#27
of 67 (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 32% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Blair County, Pennsylvania
Blair County Moderately Above National Average Risk
Blair County's composite risk score of 77.67 sits noticeably above the national average, maintaining a relatively low risk rating overall. The county experiences moderate natural disaster exposure driven primarily by flooding, hurricanes, and tornadoes.
Above-Average Risk for Pennsylvania
Blair County's score of 77.67 exceeds Pennsylvania's statewide average of 67.45 by roughly 15 percent, placing it in the upper half of the state's counties. The county ranks significantly safer than Allegheny (98.09) and Berks (92.72), but riskier than many rural peers.
Riskier Than Neighboring Bedford County
Blair County residents face more hazard exposure than adjacent Bedford County (68.23), though both share similar geographic characteristics. The county compares closely to Huntingdon County and other south-central Pennsylvania communities.
Flooding, Hurricanes, and Tornadoes Top Threats
Flood risk ranks highest at 87.47 in Blair County, reflecting vulnerability to the Juniata River and regional water systems. Hurricane (78.81) and tornado (58.87) risks follow, while wildfire (32.00) presents only modest exposure.
Flood Insurance Priority; Standard Coverage Sufficient
Blair County homeowners should obtain flood insurance given the county's 87.47 flood risk, particularly near river corridors and low-lying areas. Standard homeowners policies adequately cover tornado and wind damage for most residents, making Blair relatively straightforward to insure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Blair County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Blair County
Risk Verdict
Blair County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 78th percentile across all U.S. counties. Blair 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 Blair County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 79th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (62th percentile), tornado (59th percentile), wildfire (32th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 87th percentile nationally, Blair 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, hurricane at the 79th percentile nationally, means Blair 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 Blair County households.
Regional Context
A composite score 10.2 points above the Pennsylvania state average puts Blair County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Blair County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Blair County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect Blair County?
How does Blair County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Is Blair County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Blair 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.