Bradford County Disaster Risk
Bradford County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
73th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#32
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
86th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Bradford County, Pennsylvania
Bradford County Sits Slightly Above National Baseline
Bradford County's composite risk score of 73.12 sits modestly above the national average, maintaining a relatively low risk rating. The county experiences moderate natural disaster exposure, with particular vulnerability to flooding and hurricanes despite its northeastern Pennsylvania location.
Marginally Above Pennsylvania's Average Risk
Bradford County's score of 73.12 exceeds Pennsylvania's statewide average of 67.45 by less than 9 points, placing it in the middle tier of state risk. The county ranks significantly safer than western hazard zones like Allegheny and Berks counties.
Similar Risk to Surrounding Rural Counties
Bradford County residents face comparable hazard exposure to neighboring Tioga, Sullivan, and Potter counties, all northeastern Pennsylvania rural communities. The county benefits from lower population density and industrial development compared to more urban regions.
Flooding and Hurricanes Are Primary Concerns
Flood risk dominates Bradford County's hazard profile at 86.13, reflecting vulnerability to the Susquehanna River and regional waterways. Hurricane risk ranks as a secondary threat at 69.42, while tornado (31.55) and wildfire (21.69) risks remain notably low.
Prioritize Flood Insurance; Wind Coverage Adequate
Bradford County homeowners should obtain flood insurance given the county's 86.13 flood risk, especially if near river systems or flood-prone areas. Standard homeowners policies provide adequate tornado and wind protection for most residents, making Bradford a relatively manageable county to insure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Bradford County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Bradford County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 73th, Bradford County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Bradford County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 69th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (45th percentile), tornado (32th percentile), wildfire (22th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 86th percentile nationally, Bradford County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. Alongside flooding, hurricane exposure at the 69th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Registering for Bradford County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
At 5.7 points above the Pennsylvania state average, Bradford County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Pennsylvania county.
Is your household prepared for Bradford County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Bradford County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect Bradford County?
How does Bradford County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Is Bradford County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Bradford 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.