Franklin County Disaster Risk
Franklin County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
76th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#29
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
84th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Franklin County, Pennsylvania
Franklin faces above-average disaster exposure
Franklin County's composite risk score of 76.40 exceeds the national median, rating as "Relatively Low" but still elevated. Hurricane risk (85.57) and earthquake risk (75.38) are particularly pronounced, reflecting the county's geographic position in south-central Pennsylvania.
Fifth-riskiest county in Pennsylvania
At 76.40, Franklin ranks in the upper half of Pennsylvania's at-risk counties, above the state average of 67.45. Only four counties statewide carry demonstrably higher composite risk.
Higher exposure than Adams and Cumberland
Franklin's 76.40 score exceeds neighboring Adams County and Cumberland County to the southeast. This position places Franklin as a relative risk concentration zone in the Appalachian foothills region.
Hurricanes, earthquakes, and flooding converge
Franklin's three largest hazards are hurricane risk (85.57), earthquake risk (75.38), and flood risk (84.32), creating a tripled vulnerability profile. The county sits near active seismic zones and remains within the reach of Atlantic hurricane systems.
Secure earthquake and flood coverage
Franklin County homeowners should add earthquake insurance to their policies, as standard homeowner's plans exclude seismic damage. Flood insurance is equally critical given the 84.32 flood risk; review coverage annually before hurricane season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Franklin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Franklin County
Risk Verdict
Franklin County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 76th percentile across all U.S. counties. Franklin 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
Hurricane risk is Franklin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 84th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (75th percentile), wildfire (51th percentile), tornado (46th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 86th percentile nationally for hurricane risk, Franklin County is in a zone where flood insurance matters beyond the primary wind risk: NFIP flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period before taking effect, making off-season enrollment the correct timing. Franklin County's flood exposure at the 84th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For Franklin County households, the hurricane preparedness calendar matters: flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, wind-hardening retrofits take weeks to schedule, and evacuation route scouting is best done before a storm watch is issued.
Regional Context
A composite score 9.0 points above the Pennsylvania state average puts Franklin County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Franklin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Franklin County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect Franklin County?
How does Franklin County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Is Franklin County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Franklin 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.