Somerset County Disaster Risk
Somerset County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
64th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#42
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
80th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Somerset County, Pennsylvania
Somerset County faces below-average disaster risk
Somerset County's composite risk score of 64.22 falls slightly below Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, placing it in the relatively low-risk category. The county experiences moderate flood risk (79.99) and hurricane exposure (73.17), but remains well-protected from wildfires (40.78) and tornadoes (35.46).
Lower-middle risk among state counties
Somerset County ranks in the lower half of Pennsylvania's risk distribution, scoring below the state average in most hazard categories. Its flood risk (79.99) is elevated, but wildfire (40.78), tornado (35.46), and earthquake (54.17) risks all remain below state averages.
Safer than Northumberland and Schuylkill
Somerset County's 64.22 score places it comfortably below Northumberland (79.17) and Schuylkill (85.31), though slightly riskier than Snyder (54.29) and Perry (53.12). Its elevated flood risk reflects its location in southwestern Pennsylvania's river valleys and mountainous terrain.
Floods are the dominant threat
Somerset County's primary hazard is flood risk (79.99), driven by regional waterways and precipitation patterns in the county's mountainous and valley topography. Secondary concerns include hurricane risk (73.17), earthquake risk (54.17), and moderate wildfire risk (40.78); tornadoes remain relatively uncommon (35.46).
Prioritize flood coverage for peace of mind
Somerset County residents should secure flood insurance to protect against the county's 79.99 flood risk, as standard homeowners policies don't cover flood damage. Additionally, ensure your policy includes wind coverage for hurricane protection, and verify earthquake coverage if your property is in a seismic zone.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Somerset County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Somerset County
Risk Verdict
Somerset County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 64th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Somerset County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Somerset County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 80th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 73th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (54th percentile), wildfire (41th percentile), tornado (35th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 80th percentile nationally, Somerset 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. Alongside flooding, hurricane exposure at the 73th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. 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 Somerset County households.
Regional Context
Somerset County's composite risk score is within 3.2 points of the Pennsylvania county average — a close alignment that reflects a broadly representative hazard environment for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Somerset County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Somerset County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect Somerset County?
How does Somerset County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Is Somerset County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Somerset 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.