Crawford County Disaster Risk
Crawford County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
76th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#30
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 36% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Crawford County, Pennsylvania
Crawford faces elevated national risk
At 76.02, Crawford's composite risk score exceeds the national median, placing it in the higher risk quartile of U.S. counties while maintaining a Relatively Low rating. The county's vulnerability stems primarily from significant flood and tornado exposure, compounded by notable wildfire and earthquake concerns.
Higher risk than most Pennsylvania peers
Crawford's 76.02 score runs about 8.5 points above Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, ranking it among the state's more hazard-exposed counties. Only the southern tier counties—particularly those in the central and southeastern regions—consistently exceed Crawford's risk levels.
Northwestern hazard concentration point
Crawford (76.02) faces notably higher composite risk than nearby Clinton County (51.78) and Clearfield County (67.11), making it the riskier anchor in its region. The county's northwestern location brings elevated tornado and flood potential compared to more sheltered areas of the state.
Flooding and tornadoes demand preparation
Flood risk reaches 87.18, the county's most severe hazard exposure, while tornado risk of 52.48 significantly exceeds state averages. Together, these two hazards create a weather pattern that can produce both sustained precipitation events and severe convective storms.
Flood coverage is non-negotiable here
With flood risk at 87.18, acquiring a National Flood Insurance Program policy should be your immediate priority—standard homeowners insurance will not cover water damage. Tornado risk of 52.48 also makes it wise to strengthen your home's roof attachment and consider a safe room or reinforced shelter area.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Crawford County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Crawford County
Risk Verdict
Crawford County's FEMA risk score places it at the 76th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Crawford County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Crawford County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 67th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (52th percentile), earthquake (50th percentile), wildfire (36th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 87th percentile nationally for flood risk, Crawford County residents benefit from understanding their specific flood zone status. Even one inch of floodwater causes significant structural damage to properties outside officially designated high-risk zones. Alongside flooding, hurricane exposure at the 67th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Crawford County's primary hazards — including how to shelter in place or evacuate, and who to call — provides more real protection than a general emergency kit sitting unused on a shelf.
Regional Context
The Pennsylvania county average is 8.6 composite points below Crawford County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Crawford County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Crawford County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect Crawford County?
How does Crawford County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Is Crawford County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Crawford 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.