Erie County Disaster Risk
Erie County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
84th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#19
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
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Erie County, Pennsylvania
Erie ranks above the national average
With a composite risk score of 84.10, Erie County faces above-average natural disaster risk compared to most U.S. counties. This "Relatively Moderate" rating reflects significant exposure to multiple hazards, particularly flooding, which scores 90.71—well above typical levels nationwide.
Third-riskiest county in Pennsylvania
Erie's 84.10 composite score ranks among the highest in Pennsylvania, where the state average is 67.45. Only two other counties in the state face comparably elevated disaster risk across multiple hazard types.
More exposed than neighboring counties
Erie faces notably higher risk than Crawford County to the north and Chautauqua County across the state line. Its flood risk (90.71) and hurricane risk (71.09) are substantially elevated compared to inland neighbors, reflecting its position on Lake Erie's shore.
Flooding and hurricanes top the list
Flooding is Erie's dominant hazard, scoring 90.71, followed by hurricane risk at 71.09 and tornado risk at 66.57. Lake Erie's proximity means residents face both riverine flooding from heavy rainfall and surge risks during Atlantic hurricane season.
Prioritize flood insurance immediately
With flood risk in the 91st percentile, flood insurance is not optional—it's essential for renters and homeowners alike. Standard homeowner's policies exclude flood damage; contact your insurer or the National Flood Insurance Program to ensure coverage before the next heavy rain event.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Erie County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Erie County
Risk Verdict
Erie County faces a moderate natural disaster risk profile, ranking at the 84th percentile nationally under FEMA's composite risk model. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Erie County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 71th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (67th percentile), earthquake (60th percentile), wildfire (37th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Erie County's top natural hazard is flood risk, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally. Homeowners here should confirm whether they are in a FEMA-designated flood zone and check if standard homeowners insurance covers flood damage — it typically does not. The county's second-ranked hazard, hurricane at the 71th percentile nationally, means Erie County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. For most Erie County households, the highest-return preparedness step is storing critical documents in digital cloud backup combined with a pre-designated family meeting point if communication is disrupted.
Regional Context
Erie County's composite risk score sits 16.6 points above the Pennsylvania county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Erie County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Erie County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect Erie County?
How does Erie County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Is Erie County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Erie 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.