Schuylkill County Disaster Risk
Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
85th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#17
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
91th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% 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 72% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania
Schuylkill County faces relatively moderate risk
Schuylkill County's composite risk score of 85.31 exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45 by 18 points, placing it in the relatively moderate risk category. The county experiences elevated exposure across multiple hazards, particularly floods (90.78), hurricanes (82.60), and earthquakes (71.88).
Second-highest risk in Pennsylvania
Schuylkill County ranks second only to Philadelphia County in overall disaster risk among Pennsylvania's counties, with an 85.31 score that far exceeds most regional peers. Its multifaceted hazard exposure—floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes—creates cumulative vulnerability rare in the state.
Significantly riskier than adjacent counties
Schuylkill County's 85.31 score far exceeds neighboring Northumberland (79.17), Snyder (54.29), and Somerset (64.22) counties, making it the regional risk leader. The county's position in Pennsylvania's anthracite region and river valleys drives elevated exposure across multiple hazard categories.
Floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes converge
Schuylkill County faces a convergence of three major threats: flood risk (90.78) from regional waterways, hurricane risk (82.60) from Atlantic systems, and earthquake risk (71.88) from regional seismic activity. Tornado risk (66.19) and wildfire risk (55.63) add additional layers of exposure.
Multi-layered coverage is critical
Schuylkill County residents must prioritize flood insurance—essential given the 90.78 flood risk and not covered by standard homeowners policies. Additionally, ensure comprehensive wind coverage for hurricane protection and consider earthquake insurance to address the county's 71.88 seismic risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Schuylkill County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Schuylkill County
Risk Verdict
Schuylkill County's overall risk score at the 85th 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 Schuylkill County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 83th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (72th percentile), tornado (66th percentile), wildfire (56th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Schuylkill County sits at the 91th 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. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 83th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Regardless of specific hazard, Schuylkill 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, Schuylkill County runs 17.9 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Schuylkill County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Schuylkill County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect Schuylkill County?
How does Schuylkill County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Is Schuylkill County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Schuylkill 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.