Huntingdon County Disaster Risk
Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
50th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#57
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
69th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% 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 27% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania
Huntingdon faces moderate disaster risk
Huntingdon County's composite risk score of 50.25 sits below the national average, with a "Relatively Low" rating overall. However, the county's flood risk of 68.77 indicates concentrated vulnerability in waterway corridors despite favorable overall metrics.
Lower-middle tier among Pennsylvania counties
At 50.25, Huntingdon ranks well below the Pennsylvania state average of 67.45, placing it in the lower-risk half of all state counties. This suggests Huntingdon faces fewer multi-hazard pressures than most of its peers statewide.
Safer than Franklin, riskier than Fulton
Huntingdon's 50.25 score falls between neighboring Fulton County's exceptional 7.76 and Franklin County's elevated 76.40. This positions Huntingdon as a moderate-risk zone between Pennsylvania's safest and more exposed inland counties.
Flooding dominates the hazard profile
Flood risk is Huntingdon's primary concern at 68.77, followed by hurricane risk (71.17) and tornado risk (27.07). The county's position along the Juniata River system creates recurring spring flood potential.
Secure flood coverage for riverine properties
Huntingdon residents living near rivers or streams should obtain flood insurance; properties outside mapped flood zones may still purchase NFIP policies. Homeowner's insurance should include comprehensive coverage given the 71.17 hurricane risk score.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Huntingdon County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Huntingdon County
Risk Verdict
At the 50th percentile nationally, Huntingdon County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Huntingdon County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Huntingdon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 71th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 69th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (42th percentile), tornado (27th percentile), wildfire (23th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Huntingdon County's primary hazard, hurricane, ranks at the 71th percentile nationally. Having a designated out-of-area contact, a pre-packed go-bag with medications and documents, and a confirmed evacuation route reduces decision-making load when a storm intensifies rapidly. Huntingdon County's flood exposure at the 69th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast cone and local NWS office watches and warnings are the authoritative sources for Huntingdon County storm tracking; households benefit from bookmarking these before storm season rather than relying on social media during an event.
Regional Context
Compared to the Pennsylvania county average, Huntingdon County's composite score runs 17.2 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Huntingdon County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Huntingdon County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect Huntingdon County?
How does Huntingdon County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
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How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Huntingdon 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.