Northampton County Disaster Risk
Northampton County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
90th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#13
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 29% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% 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 87% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Northampton County, Pennsylvania
Northampton faces very high risk
With a composite risk score of 90.01, Northampton County experiences significantly above-average natural disaster exposure compared to U.S. counties overall. The county's "Relatively Moderate" risk rating indicates serious and multifaceted hazards that require substantial preparation. Northampton ranks among America's more vulnerable counties.
Second-highest risk in Pennsylvania
Northampton County's risk score of 90.01 substantially exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, placing it second only to Montgomery County (96.82) in state risk rankings. The county's extreme scores in flooding (93.61), tornadoes (80.92), earthquakes (84.41), and hurricanes (87.07) reflect exposure to multiple major hazard types. This "Relatively Moderate" rating underscores the county's serious vulnerabilities.
Riskier than most Pennsylvania counties
Northampton County's score of 90.01 exceeds Monroe County (85.08), Mifflin (69.27), Lycoming (79.58), and Mercer (77.74) significantly. Only Montgomery County (96.82) poses greater disaster risk in Pennsylvania. Northampton's location in the northeastern corner, near the Atlantic coast and geologically sensitive areas, drives its vulnerability.
Flooding and earthquakes dominate
Northampton County's flood risk of 93.61 ranks as the county's highest exposure and among Pennsylvania's most extreme. Earthquake risk at 84.41 is exceptionally high for Pennsylvania, reflecting the county's proximity to regional seismic zones. Tornadoes (80.92) and hurricanes (87.07) add layers of additional hazard exposure.
Multi-hazard protection is critical
Flood insurance is absolutely essential with a 93.61 risk score; standard homeowners policies provide no protection against this grave threat. Brace your home's foundation and cripple walls against earthquake damage, install hurricane-rated roofing and reinforced garage doors, and identify tornado shelter locations. Invest in professional structural assessment to identify specific vulnerabilities unique to your home.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Northampton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Northampton County
Risk Verdict
At the 90th percentile nationally, Northampton County sits in the upper half of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Northampton County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Northampton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 87th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (84th percentile), tornado (81th percentile), wildfire (29th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 94th percentile nationally for flood risk, Northampton County residents benefit from understanding their specific flood zone status. Even one inch of floodwater causes significant structural damage to properties outside officially designated high-risk zones. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 87th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Northampton County's primary hazards — including how to shelter in place or evacuate, and who to call — provides more real protection than a general emergency kit sitting unused on a shelf.
Regional Context
The Pennsylvania county average is 22.6 composite points below Northampton County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Northampton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Northampton County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect Northampton County?
How does Northampton County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Is Northampton County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Northampton 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.