Clearfield County Disaster Risk
Clearfield County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
67th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#38
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
81th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania
Clearfield ranks slightly above average nationally
With a composite risk score of 67.11, Clearfield sits just below the national median, reflecting a relatively low overall hazard profile. The county faces moderate exposure to flooding and hurricanes, but significantly lower risks from wildfires and tornadoes than many U.S. counties.
Middle of the pack in Pennsylvania
Clearfield's risk score of 67.11 matches Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45 almost exactly, placing it firmly in the middle tier of the state's 67 counties. This means the county experiences typical Pennsylvania-level natural disaster risk, neither particularly vulnerable nor especially protected.
Lower risk than western peers
Clearfield faces substantially less overall risk than Crawford County (76.02), its neighbor to the northwest, though it shares similar flood vulnerabilities. Compared to Clinton County to the north (51.78), Clearfield carries notably higher composite risk, primarily due to stronger hurricane and flood exposure.
Flooding and hurricanes dominate the profile
Flood risk reaches 80.60 in Clearfield, making it the county's most significant natural hazard concern and matching patterns seen across much of central Pennsylvania. Hurricane risk scores 71.05, reflecting the county's vulnerability to tropical storm remnants and nor'easters that can bring heavy precipitation and wind damage.
Prioritize flood and wind coverage now
With flood risk at 80.60, standard homeowners insurance won't protect your property—consider a separate flood policy before the next heavy rain event. Wind and hurricane coverage becomes equally critical given the 71.05 hurricane risk score; review your current policy limits and deductibles to ensure adequate protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Clearfield County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Clearfield County
Risk Verdict
At the 67th percentile nationally, Clearfield County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Clearfield County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Clearfield County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 71th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (43th percentile), tornado (41th percentile), wildfire (34th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Clearfield County's dominant hazard is flooding, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally. In addition to flood insurance, residents should identify their nearest evacuation shelter and store key documents in waterproof containers. Alongside flooding, hurricane exposure at the 71th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Clearfield 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
At 0.3 points from the Pennsylvania county mean, Clearfield County's overall disaster risk profile is close to typical for this state, with no dramatic deviation in either direction.
Is your household prepared for Clearfield County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Clearfield County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect Clearfield County?
How does Clearfield County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Is Clearfield County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Clearfield 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.