Cumberland County Disaster Risk
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
86th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#16
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
91th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Cumberland ranks as moderately hazard-prone
A composite risk score of 86.20 places Cumberland well above the national average, earning a Relatively Moderate risk rating. The county faces high exposure across nearly all hazard categories, particularly from flooding (91.13), earthquakes (81.93), and hurricanes (87.44).
Second-highest risk in Pennsylvania
Cumberland's 86.20 score ranks second only to Delaware County (92.91) among Pennsylvania's 67 counties, significantly exceeding the state average of 67.45. This elevated position reflects the county's central location and proximity to major seismic zones, tornado corridors, and hurricane-influenced weather patterns.
Dramatically riskier than northern counterparts
Cumberland (86.20) faces substantially higher composite risk than Clearfield (67.11) or Clinton (51.78) counties to the north, with particularly acute exposure to tornadoes and earthquakes. Only southeastern Delaware County exceeds Cumberland's hazard burden, making the south-central corridor Pennsylvania's most disaster-prone region.
Floods, earthquakes, and tornadoes align here
Flood risk dominates at 91.13, while earthquake risk of 81.93 and tornado risk of 68.16 create a triple-threat hazard profile. These three hazards collectively drive Cumberland's Relatively Moderate rating and demand comprehensive household preparedness across multiple disaster types.
Multi-hazard insurance strategy essential
Flood insurance at 91.13 flood risk is absolutely critical; pair it with earthquake coverage given the 81.93 seismic exposure. Reinforce your home's roof and foundation to withstand both tornadoes (68.16 risk) and earthquakes, and maintain an emergency kit addressing all three primary hazards.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cumberland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cumberland County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard risk in Cumberland County is higher than the majority of U.S. counties, with a national composite rank of 86th. Cumberland County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Cumberland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 87th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (82th percentile), tornado (68th percentile), wildfire (48th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 91th percentile nationally, Cumberland County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 87th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Cumberland County households.
Regional Context
A composite score 18.7 points above the Pennsylvania state average puts Cumberland County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Cumberland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cumberland County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect Cumberland County?
How does Cumberland County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Is Cumberland County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Cumberland 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.