Lackawanna County Disaster Risk
Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
90th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#14
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
94th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% 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 82% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania
Lackawanna County faces moderate multi-hazard risk
With a composite risk score of 89.92 and a "Relatively Moderate" rating, Lackawanna exceeds Pennsylvania's 67.45 state average by 22 points. This elevated exposure reflects significant vulnerability across multiple hazard types, placing the county in a higher-risk category nationally.
Fifth-highest risk county in Pennsylvania
Lackawanna ranks fifth or sixth among Pennsylvania's 67 counties for composite disaster risk, making it one of the state's highest-exposure regions. Only a handful of counties, mostly in the south-central and eastern parts of the state, face comparably greater hazard.
Among the riskiest in northeastern PA
Lackawanna's 89.92 score is higher than Pike County (82.45) and matches Luzerne County (91.63) for elevated risk in the northeast. This pattern reflects the region's shared exposure to flooding, tornadoes, and seismic activity.
Flooding, tornadoes, and earthquakes loom large
Lackawanna faces severe flood risk (94.08), significant tornado exposure (68.13), and notable earthquake risk (74.97). Hurricane risk (82.02) rounds out a multi-hazard threat profile that requires comprehensive preparedness across several disaster types.
Invest in flood and wind protection
Lackawanna's 94.08 flood risk demands flood insurance coverage; standard homeowners policies exclude water damage. Additionally, ensure your roof and exterior are rated for high winds, reinforce garage doors, and consider a safe room or shelter for tornado season, which peaks in spring and early summer.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lackawanna County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lackawanna County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard risk in Lackawanna County is higher than the majority of U.S. counties, with a national composite rank of 90th. Lackawanna 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
Flood risk is Lackawanna County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 82th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (75th percentile), tornado (68th percentile), wildfire (41th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 94th percentile nationally, Lackawanna County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. Alongside flooding, hurricane exposure at the 82th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Lackawanna County households.
Regional Context
A composite score 22.5 points above the Pennsylvania state average puts Lackawanna County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Lackawanna County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lackawanna County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect Lackawanna County?
How does Lackawanna County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Is Lackawanna County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Lackawanna 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.