Greene County Disaster Risk
Greene County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
55th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#51
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
74th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Greene County, Pennsylvania
Greene maintains below-average risk
Greene County's composite risk score of 55.12 falls below the national median, earning a "Relatively Low" rating overall. However, the county's flood risk of 74.27 suggests concentrated vulnerability despite favorable averages across other hazards.
Moderate risk within Pennsylvania
At 55.12, Greene scores below the Pennsylvania state average of 67.45, ranking in the lower-middle tier statewide. This suggests Greene faces fewer disaster threats than most other counties in the commonwealth.
Safer than Fayette, comparable to Westmoreland
Greene's 55.12 score is substantially lower than neighboring Fayette County (82.22) to the north. Greene offers roughly similar risk to Westmoreland County but significantly more protection than Fayette.
Flooding and hurricane exposure stand out
Greene's flood risk of 74.27 and hurricane risk of 63.33 are its primary concerns, while tornado (34.67) and wildfire (23.38) risks remain low. The county's river valleys create recurring flood potential during heavy rain.
Prioritize flood insurance coverage
Greene County residents should secure flood insurance immediately, as the 74.27 flood risk is substantial and standard policies exclude such damage. Review your homeowner's policy annually and consider flood coverage for any riverside or low-lying properties.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Greene County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Greene County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Greene County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 55th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Greene County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Greene County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (39th percentile), tornado (35th percentile), wildfire (23th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Greene County's top hazard at the 74th percentile nationally. Households in or near designated flood zones face elevated financial exposure; flood insurance typically requires a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so applying before the season is advisable. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 63th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Households across Greene County should identify the nearest community shelter and keep a basic emergency kit — water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, and battery radio — in a location easy to grab quickly.
Regional Context
Greene County's composite risk score sits 12.3 points below the Pennsylvania county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Greene County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Greene County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect Greene County?
How does Greene County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Is Greene County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Greene County a safe place to live?
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.