Clarion County Disaster Risk
Clarion County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
30th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#61
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
52th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Clarion County, Pennsylvania
Clarion County has very low disaster risk
Clarion County's composite risk score of 30.03 ranks it in the very low category—37 points below Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45. This rural northwestern county enjoys one of the lowest natural disaster exposure profiles in the state.
Among Pennsylvania's safest counties
Clarion County ranks near the bottom of Pennsylvania's 67 counties for overall disaster risk. Only Cameron County scores lower, making Clarion one of the genuinely low-risk areas in the commonwealth.
Much safer than surrounding areas
Clarion County's 30.03 score is far below Butler County (79.26) to the southeast and well below Centre and Cambria counties to the east. This geographic pocket of low risk is a distinctive advantage.
Flooding poses the main hazard
Clarion County's flood risk of 52.19 stands as its only moderate hazard score; all other risks fall well below 35. While flooding warrants attention, the county faces genuinely limited natural disaster exposure overall.
Basic insurance coverage typically adequate
Clarion County's very low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance provides sufficient protection for most residents. Evaluate flood risk on your specific property and maintain basic emergency supplies and a family communication plan.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Clarion County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Clarion County
Risk Verdict
Clarion County's overall natural disaster score at the 30th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. The 30th percentile national ranking is one lens; Clarion County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Clarion County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 63th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 52th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (32th percentile), tornado (29th percentile), wildfire (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane exposure at the 63th percentile nationally makes Clarion County a county where pre-season preparedness — not storm-day preparation — determines outcomes. Clarion County evacuation decisions under a watch or warning benefit from prior planning, not routes improvised under time pressure. Clarion County's flood exposure at the 52th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. Clarion County residents benefit from registering with the county's special-needs evacuation registry if household members have mobility limitations, require electricity-dependent medical equipment, or cannot self-evacuate — registration in advance of storm season is required.
Regional Context
Clarion County's composite risk score sits 37.4 points below the Pennsylvania county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Clarion County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Clarion County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect Clarion County?
How does Clarion County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Is Clarion County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Clarion 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.