Monroe County Disaster Risk
Monroe County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
85th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#18
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
88th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Monroe County, Pennsylvania
Monroe faces elevated national risk
With a composite risk score of 85.08, Monroe County experiences significantly above-average natural disaster exposure compared to U.S. counties overall. The county earned a "Relatively Moderate" risk rating, indicating meaningful hazards that require active preparation and mitigation. Monroe residents face one of the more challenging disaster profiles in the nation.
Among Pennsylvania's highest-risk counties
Monroe County's risk score of 85.08 substantially exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, placing it among the state's most vulnerable counties. Only Montgomery County (96.82) and Northampton County (90.01) face comparable or greater exposure. Monroe's "Relatively Moderate" rating reflects genuine and multifaceted hazard exposure across flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes.
Riskier than most Pennsylvania counties
Monroe County's score of 85.08 is significantly higher than Mifflin (69.27), Lycoming (79.58), and Mercer (77.74) to the west and north. Only Northampton County (90.01) immediately nearby approaches Monroe's risk level; most other counties in the state rank substantially safer. Monroe's position in northeastern Pennsylvania, vulnerable to Atlantic weather systems, drives its elevated exposure.
Multiple serious hazards converge
Monroe County faces threats from multiple major hazard types: hurricane risk at 82.44, earthquake exposure at 73.19, tornado risk at 65.94, and flood exposure at 88.07. This convergence of threats—unusual for Pennsylvania—reflects the county's location near the Atlantic coast and geologically active areas. No single hazard dominates; residents must prepare comprehensively.
Comprehensive preparation is essential
Monroe County residents need flood insurance (88.07 risk), secure roofing for hurricane and tornado seasons, and earthquake-safe structural bracing—a rare combination of protections for Pennsylvania. Reinforce your home's foundation and secure heavy furniture to walls to protect against earthquake damage. Create a multi-hazard emergency plan covering floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes specific to your property.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Monroe County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Monroe County
Risk Verdict
Monroe County registers a moderately elevated natural disaster risk, ranking at the 85th percentile across all U.S. counties. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Monroe County.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Monroe County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 88th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 82th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (73th percentile), tornado (66th percentile), wildfire (52th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Monroe County's dominant hazard is flooding, ranked at the 88th percentile nationally. In addition to flood insurance, residents should identify their nearest evacuation shelter and store key documents in waterproof containers. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 82th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Monroe County's county emergency management office publishes hazard-specific guidance tailored to local conditions; bookmarking that resource and the county's alert system is a practical first step for any household.
Regional Context
Monroe County falls 17.6 points above Pennsylvania's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Monroe County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Monroe County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect Monroe County?
How does Monroe County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Is Monroe County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Monroe 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.