Dauphin County Disaster Risk
Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
91th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#11
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
95th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% 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 80% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
Dauphin faces high national disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 91.06, Dauphin ranks in the upper tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, earning a Relatively Moderate rating. The county faces critically high flooding (94.78), tornadoes (79.80), earthquakes (87.28), and hurricane risk (89.19) simultaneously.
Highest-risk county in Pennsylvania
Dauphin's 91.06 score marginally exceeds Delaware County (92.91) to place it among Pennsylvania's two most hazard-exposed counties, far surpassing the state average of 67.45. This exceptional risk concentration results from the county's central geography, seismic proximity, and vulnerability to multiple severe weather corridors.
Risk epicenter of central Pennsylvania
Dauphin (91.06) faces catastrophically higher composite risk than neighboring Clearfield (67.11) or Columbia (62.05) counties, making it the hazard hotspot of the central region. Only adjacent Delaware County matches or exceeds Dauphin's multifaceted disaster exposure profile.
Flooding and tornadoes pose extreme threats
Flood risk of 94.78 represents the county's single greatest natural hazard, while tornado risk of 79.80 and earthquake risk of 87.28 create compounding seasonal and geological threats. Together with hurricane risk of 89.19, Dauphin residents face a hazardscape more complex than nearly any other Pennsylvania county.
Comprehensive disaster preparedness is critical
Flood insurance is non-negotiable at the 94.78 flood risk score; this is your single most important protection in Dauphin County. Add earthquake coverage (87.28 risk) and reinforce your roof and foundation for tornadoes (79.80 risk), then develop a multi-hazard family evacuation plan and maintain emergency supplies for extended isolation.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Dauphin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Dauphin County
Risk Verdict
With a composite score at the 91th percentile, Dauphin County sits above the national median for natural hazard exposure. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Dauphin County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Dauphin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 89th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (87th percentile), tornado (80th percentile), wildfire (39th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 95th percentile nationally, Dauphin County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. The county's second-ranked hazard, hurricane at the 89th percentile nationally, means Dauphin County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Registering for Dauphin County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
At 23.6 points above the Pennsylvania state average, Dauphin County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Pennsylvania county.
Is your household prepared for Dauphin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Dauphin County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect Dauphin County?
How does Dauphin County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Is Dauphin County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Dauphin 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.