Sullivan County Disaster Risk
Sullivan County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
11th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#66
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
37th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania
Sullivan County's low national disaster risk
Sullivan County ranks as very low risk nationally with a composite score of 10.72, placing it well below the U.S. average. This county experiences significantly less natural disaster exposure than most American communities, making it one of Pennsylvania's safest counties for weather and geological events.
Safest county in Pennsylvania
Sullivan County's composite risk score of 10.72 is substantially lower than Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, ranking it as the lowest-risk county in the state. This 84% reduction in risk compared to state peers reflects the county's geographic protection from major hazard zones.
Well protected compared to neighbors
Sullivan County's score of 10.72 contrasts sharply with neighboring Susquehanna County (53.59) and Tioga County (59.76), both of which face substantially higher flood and tornado risks. As the safest county in this region, Sullivan offers residents notably greater natural disaster resilience than surrounding communities.
Hurricane and earthquake pose modest threats
Sullivan County's main natural hazards are hurricane risk (58.95) and earthquake risk (24.46), though both remain relatively mild compared to state averages. Flood risk (37.37) and tornado risk (12.15) present minimal concerns, making the county exceptionally well-positioned for weather safety.
Basic coverage protects your property
While Sullivan County's overall risk is very low, homeowners should maintain standard property insurance for the modest hurricane and earthquake exposure. Even in low-risk counties, comprehensive coverage ensures financial protection against unexpected natural events.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sullivan County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sullivan County
Risk Verdict
Sullivan County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 11th percentile nationally. Even at the 11th percentile, Sullivan County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Sullivan County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 59th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 37th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (24th percentile), tornado (12th percentile), wildfire (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 59th percentile nationally for hurricane exposure, Sullivan 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 at the 37th percentile nationally is Sullivan County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Hurricane-force winds cause direct property damage, but storm surge causes the majority of hurricane-related deaths. Sullivan County households near tidal water or low-elevation areas should verify whether they are in a storm surge risk zone.
Regional Context
Sullivan County falls 56.7 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 Sullivan County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sullivan County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect Sullivan County?
How does Sullivan County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
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How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Sullivan 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.