Jefferson County Disaster Risk
Jefferson County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
58th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#47
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
75th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania
Jefferson County's risk is below average
Jefferson County scores 57.89 out of 100 for composite disaster risk, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category. This is notably lower than Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, and well below the national median, suggesting your community faces fewer overlapping hazards than most U.S. counties.
Safest risks in central Pennsylvania
Among Pennsylvania's 67 counties, Jefferson ranks toward the lower end of disaster risk. Only a handful of counties in the state maintain composite scores below 60, making Jefferson one of the safer regions for natural disasters statewide.
More protected than nearby counties
Jefferson's 57.89 score beats neighboring Clarion and Forest counties, which face higher flood and wildfire risks. However, nearby Lawrence County (66.13) runs slightly higher risk, showing that even in relatively safe regions, adjacent areas can differ meaningfully.
Flooding and hurricanes pose the most danger
Jefferson County's highest hazard risks are flooding (74.52) and hurricane impact (69.75), both significantly above the county's overall composite score. Tornado risk (31.20) and wildfire risk (16.44) remain modest, so localized flood preparedness and seasonal storm awareness matter most here.
Flood coverage is essential
With flood risk at 74.52, standard homeowners insurance won't cover water damage—you need separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private carrier. Consider elevation improvements or sump pumps if you live in a flood-prone area, and ensure your property has working gutters and proper drainage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Jefferson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Jefferson County
Risk Verdict
Jefferson County ranks at the 58th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Jefferson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 75th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (35th percentile), tornado (31th percentile), wildfire (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Jefferson County sits at the 75th percentile nationally for flood exposure. Knowing your property's flood zone designation — available at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — is the first step toward understanding actual exposure and insurance options. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 70th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Regardless of specific hazard, Jefferson County households benefit from a practiced communication plan: a designated out-of-state contact and a pre-agreed evacuation destination established before the season's peak risk period.
Regional Context
A composite score 9.6 points below the Pennsylvania state average puts Jefferson County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Jefferson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Jefferson County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect Jefferson County?
How does Jefferson County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Is Jefferson County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Jefferson 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.