Washington County Disaster Risk
Washington County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
83th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#20
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 46% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Washington County, Pennsylvania
Washington County faces elevated national risk
Washington County scores 83.08 nationally, placing it significantly above the U.S. average and in the higher-risk category of American counties. This positioning reflects substantial vulnerability across multiple hazard types, making comprehensive disaster preparedness critical for residents.
Pennsylvania's second-highest-risk county
Washington County's composite score of 83.08 exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45 by a substantial margin, ranking it as one of the state's most hazard-exposed communities. Only a handful of Pennsylvania counties face comparable disaster vulnerability.
Significantly riskier than surrounding counties
Washington County (83.08) carries far greater disaster exposure than all neighboring counties, including Warren County (65.55) and Greene County's nearby peers. The county's exceptional vulnerability across flood (91.41), wildfire (46.12), and tornado (49.78) hazards sets it apart regionally.
Multiple severe hazards converge here
Washington County faces extraordinary flood risk (91.41)—the highest of all Pennsylvania counties—combined with significant wildfire risk (46.12), tornado risk (49.78), and earthquake risk (59.29). These overlapping hazards create a uniquely complex risk profile requiring layered preparedness strategies.
Comprehensive insurance is critical
Washington County residents must obtain flood insurance, homeowners coverage, and strongly consider wildfire and earthquake riders given the county's exceptional multi-hazard exposure. Given flood risk of 91.41 and other elevated scores, comprehensive insurance protection is not optional but essential for financial security.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Washington County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Washington County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard risk in Washington County is higher than the majority of U.S. counties, with a national composite rank of 83th. Washington County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Washington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (59th percentile), tornado (50th percentile), wildfire (46th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 91th percentile nationally, Washington 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. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 60th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. 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 Washington County households.
Regional Context
A composite score 15.6 points above the Pennsylvania state average puts Washington County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Washington County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Washington County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect Washington County?
How does Washington County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Is Washington County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Washington 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.