Perry County Disaster Risk
Perry County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
53th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#55
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
70th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Perry County, Pennsylvania
Perry County enjoys relatively low disaster risk
Perry County's composite risk score of 53.12 is significantly below Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45 and well below most national benchmarks, placing it in the relatively low-risk category. While the county faces moderate flood risk (69.53) and hurricane exposure (76.14), most other hazards remain well-controlled.
Among Pennsylvania's safer counties
Perry County ranks near the bottom of Pennsylvania's risk scale, with only a handful of counties scoring lower overall. Its 53.12 composite score reflects below-average exposure to tornadoes (31.62), earthquakes (38.71), and wildfires (24.97), making it one of the state's more resilient areas.
Safer than most central Pennsylvania peers
Perry County is significantly less risky than adjacent Northumberland (79.17) and Schuylkill (85.31) counties, and roughly comparable to Snyder County (54.29). Its moderate flood risk (69.53) is lower than Northumberland's and reflects its slightly more inland position away from major river valleys.
Floods and hurricanes are primary concerns
Perry County's top two hazards are flood risk (69.53) and hurricane risk (76.14), both related to Atlantic weather systems and regional precipitation patterns. All other hazards—wildfire (24.97), tornado (31.62), and earthquake (38.71)—score notably low, indicating minimal concern in those areas.
Flood insurance is your key protection
Perry County residents should obtain standalone flood insurance, as it's not included in standard homeowners policies and the county's 69.53 flood risk score justifies the investment. Review your policy annually to ensure coverage limits match current home values and include protection against wind damage from Atlantic storms.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Perry County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Perry County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 53th, Perry County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Perry County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 76th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (39th percentile), tornado (32th percentile), wildfire (25th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 76th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Perry County households benefit from reviewing both homeowners and flood insurance coverage before storm season begins — standard policies often exclude storm surge, which is the leading cause of hurricane fatalities. Flood, the county's second-ranked hazard at the 70th percentile nationally, represents an additional preparedness consideration for Perry County independent of hurricane season. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Perry County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.
Regional Context
Perry County falls 14.3 points below Pennsylvania's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Perry County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Perry County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect Perry County?
How does Perry County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Is Perry County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Perry 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.