Luzerne County Disaster Risk
Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
92th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#10
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
95th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
Luzerne County faces severe multi-hazard risk
Luzerne County's composite score of 91.63 with a "Relatively Moderate" rating exceeds Pennsylvania's 67.45 state average by 24 points. This places Luzerne among the nation's highest-risk counties for overlapping disaster hazards.
Second-highest risk county in Pennsylvania
Luzerne County ranks second only to Lancaster (95.04) in Pennsylvania for composite disaster risk, making it one of the state's most vulnerable regions. Only a handful of other counties approach Luzerne's extreme exposure across multiple hazard categories.
Most exposed county in northeastern Pennsylvania
Luzerne's 91.63 score significantly exceeds nearby Lackawanna County (89.92) and Pike County (82.45), making it the hazard epicenter of northeastern Pennsylvania. This concentration reflects the region's particular vulnerability to flooding and seismic activity.
Extreme flood and wildfire danger coexist
Luzerne faces extreme flood risk (95.32), severe tornado exposure (81.58), and substantial wildfire risk (53.72)—rare for Pennsylvania counties. Earthquake (83.91) and hurricane (83.10) risks round out a uniquely dangerous hazard profile requiring comprehensive preparedness.
Flood, wildfire, and earthquake protection essential
Flood insurance is non-negotiable in Luzerne County; obtain it immediately if you lack coverage. Evaluate wildfire risk if you're in a forested area and harden your landscaping accordingly; reinforce foundations for earthquake resilience; and maintain your property's exterior to withstand high winds during tornado and hurricane season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Luzerne County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Luzerne County
Risk Verdict
Luzerne County's overall risk score at the 92th percentile nationally signals meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Luzerne County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 84th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (83th percentile), tornado (82th percentile), wildfire (54th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Luzerne County sits at the 95th 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. The county's second-ranked hazard, earthquake at the 84th percentile nationally, means Luzerne County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Regardless of specific hazard, Luzerne 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
Compared to other Pennsylvania counties, Luzerne County runs 24.2 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Luzerne County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Luzerne County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect Luzerne County?
How does Luzerne County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Is Luzerne County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Luzerne 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.