Lawrence County Disaster Risk
Lawrence County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
66th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#39
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
83th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania
Lawrence County's risk slightly exceeds state average
Lawrence County scores 66.13 for composite disaster risk with a "Relatively Low" rating, just slightly below Pennsylvania's 67.45 state average. While this places it close to the state median, Lawrence remains below the national mid-range for multi-hazard exposure.
Mid-range risk among Pennsylvania counties
With a 66.13 score, Lawrence ranks near the middle of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, neither among the safest nor the most exposed. This reflects moderate exposure to multiple hazards without the extreme concentration seen in the state's highest-risk regions.
Comparable risk to nearby counties
Lawrence's score sits between Butler County (54.70) and Mercer County (71.80), reflecting the diverse hazard landscape across western Pennsylvania. Its position makes it representative of the state's broader risk profile.
Flooding poses the primary hazard
Lawrence County's dominant risk is flooding, with a score of 83.08 that far exceeds other hazards. Tornado risk (37.72), earthquake risk (36.67), and wildfire risk (27.29) remain secondary concerns, though hurricane risk (47.31) can spike during Atlantic storm season.
Prioritize flood insurance and drainage
Flood insurance is critical in Lawrence County given the 83.08 flood risk; check if your property is in a mapped floodplain and secure coverage accordingly. Invest in proper grading and drainage systems around your home to manage stormwater and reduce standing water risks.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lawrence County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lawrence County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Lawrence County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 66th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Lawrence County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Lawrence County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 47th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (38th percentile), earthquake (37th percentile), wildfire (27th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Lawrence County's top hazard at the 83th 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. The county's second-ranked hazard, hurricane at the 47th percentile nationally, means Lawrence County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Households across Lawrence 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
Lawrence County's risk score is broadly comparable to the Pennsylvania county average, with a 1.3-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Lawrence County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lawrence County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect Lawrence County?
How does Lawrence County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Is Lawrence County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Lawrence 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.