McKean County Disaster Risk
McKean County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
54th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#53
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
73th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in McKean County, Pennsylvania
McKean ranks among safest counties
With a composite risk score of 53.78, McKean County faces below-average natural disaster risk compared to U.S. counties overall. The county's "Relatively Low" risk rating reflects a much safer profile than the national average. However, residents should remain prepared for localized hazards, particularly flooding.
Pennsylvania's lowest-risk county
McKean County's risk score of 53.78 is substantially below Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, making it the safest county in the state among this group. The county benefits from low wildfire (10.21) and tornado (24.46) exposure. This favorable position reflects McKean's geography and climate, though flood preparedness remains important.
Safest in the northern region
McKean County's risk score of 53.78 is significantly lower than Lycoming County (79.58), Mercer County (77.74), and Monroe County (85.08) in surrounding areas. Only Montour County (14.66) outranks McKean for disaster safety in Pennsylvania. The county's remote northern location and terrain provide natural protection against most major hazards.
Flooding is the primary concern
Flooding represents McKean County's dominant hazard, with a risk score of 73.19—higher than the county's overall composite score suggests. Hurricane exposure ranks second at 61.74, though tropical systems rarely bring severe damage this far inland. Tornado risk remains relatively modest at 24.46, giving residents additional safety margins.
Flood coverage protects your investment
Despite McKean's overall safety, flood risk of 73.19 warrants flood insurance coverage, which standard homeowners policies exclude. Identify drainage patterns around your property and clear gutters seasonally to minimize water accumulation. Your low overall risk profile means insurance premiums may be more affordable than in neighboring counties.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in McKean County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: McKean County
Risk Verdict
McKean County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 54th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind McKean County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is McKean County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 62th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (36th percentile), tornado (24th percentile), wildfire (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 73th percentile nationally, McKean 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. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 62th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. 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 McKean County households.
Regional Context
McKean County is 13.7 composite risk points below the Pennsylvania state mean, meaning most other Pennsylvania counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for McKean County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in McKean County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect McKean County?
How does McKean County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Is McKean County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is McKean 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.