York County Disaster Risk
York County, Pennsylvania
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
90th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#12
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
93th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% 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
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in York County, Pennsylvania
York County faces substantial disaster risk
York County's composite risk score of 90.43 ranks it as relatively moderate but places it well above the national average of approximately 50. This elevated score reflects notable exposure across multiple hazard categories, making comprehensive preparedness essential.
Among the highest-risk counties in Pennsylvania
With a score of 90.43, York County exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45 by 22.98 points, positioning it near the top of the state's at-risk county list. Only a handful of Pennsylvania counties face comparable overall disaster threat levels.
York outpaced by Westmoreland in risk profile
York County's 90.43 score closely mirrors Westmoreland County's 87.85, making both Southeast and Southwest Pennsylvania regional disaster hotspots. Both substantially exceed nearby Wyoming County's score of 44.78, reflecting geographic variation in natural hazard exposure.
Hurricanes, earthquakes, and flooding converge
York County faces an unusual triple threat: hurricane risk of 92.37, earthquake risk of 87.98, and flood risk of 93.32—all near-critical levels. This convergence of hazards reflects the county's susceptibility to Atlantic coastal storms, seismic activity along regional fault lines, and vulnerable water infrastructure.
Comprehensive insurance essential for York residents
Standard homeowners policies exclude both flood and earthquake damage, yet both pose substantial threats with scores above 87. Immediately secure separate flood insurance and explore earthquake coverage options—together, these endorsements address York County's most pressing vulnerabilities and protect against catastrophic financial loss.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in York County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: York County
Risk Verdict
York County faces a moderate natural disaster risk profile, ranking at the 90th percentile nationally under FEMA's composite risk model. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is York County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 92th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (88th percentile), tornado (48th percentile), wildfire (41th percentile).
Preparedness Context
York County's top natural hazard is flood risk, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally. Homeowners here should confirm whether they are in a FEMA-designated flood zone and check if standard homeowners insurance covers flood damage — it typically does not. The county's second-ranked hazard, hurricane at the 92th percentile nationally, means York County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. For most York County households, the highest-return preparedness step is storing critical documents in digital cloud backup combined with a pre-designated family meeting point if communication is disrupted.
Regional Context
York County's composite risk score sits 23.0 points above the Pennsylvania county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for York County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in York County, PA?
What types of natural hazards affect York County?
How does York County risk compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Is York County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is York 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.