Butler County Disaster Risk
Butler County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
79th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#24
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
89th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Butler County, Pennsylvania
Butler's risk is slightly above average
Butler County's composite risk score of 79.26 places it in the relatively low category, roughly 12 points above Pennsylvania's average of 67.45. While not among the highest-risk areas nationally, Butler residents should still prepare for significant natural hazards.
Moderate risk ranking within Pennsylvania
Butler County ranks in the middle tier of Pennsylvania's 67 counties for overall disaster risk. Its position reflects moderate exposure—not among the state's most vulnerable, but above the least-risk counties.
Comparable to surrounding counties
Butler County's 79.26 score sits between Cambria County (76.43) to the east and Centre County (67.97) to the northeast, suggesting consistent risk levels across this region. Clarion County (30.03) to the north faces significantly lower exposure.
Flooding is Butler's primary concern
Butler County's flood risk score of 89.03 stands as its most prominent hazard and well above state average. While tornado risk (59.80) and earthquake risk (52.13) remain moderate, flooding demands the greatest attention in preparation planning.
Prioritize flood coverage in Butler
With a flood risk score of 89.03, securing standalone flood insurance should be your top home protection priority. Also evaluate your tornado shelter options and maintain an emergency supply kit updated twice yearly.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Butler County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Butler County
Risk Verdict
At the 79th percentile nationally, Butler County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Butler County.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Butler County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (57th percentile), earthquake (52th percentile), wildfire (39th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Butler County's dominant hazard is flooding, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally. In addition to flood insurance, residents should identify their nearest evacuation shelter and store key documents in waterproof containers. The county's second-ranked hazard, tornado at the 60th percentile nationally, means Butler County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Butler County's county emergency management office publishes hazard-specific guidance tailored to local conditions; bookmarking that resource and the county's alert system is a practical first step for any household.
Regional Context
Butler County falls 11.8 points above Pennsylvania's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Butler County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Butler County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect Butler County?
How does Butler County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Is Butler County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Butler 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.