Washington County Disaster Risk
Washington County, Rhode Island
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
64th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#3
of 5 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
76th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Washington County, Rhode Island
Washington: Moderate Risk, Coastal Focus
Washington County's composite risk score of 64.03 ranks as Relatively Low nationally but reflects concentrated coastal and waterway vulnerabilities. Hurricane (82.23), flood (76.20), and earthquake (67.27) risks all exceed typical U.S. levels.
Mid-Range Risk Across Rhode Island
Washington County scores 64.03, placing it fourth among Rhode Island's five counties—7.44 points above the state average of 56.59. Only Providence County (93.67) and Kent County (69.43) exceed Washington's overall risk exposure.
Safer Than Kent and Providence, Riskier Than Coastal Counties
Washington (64.03) ranks higher than Bristol (19.40) and Newport (36.42) but below Kent (69.43) and Providence (93.67). Its south-county geography and mixed coastal-inland composition place it in the state's moderate-risk band.
Hurricane and Flood Are Washington's Main Hazards
Hurricane risk (82.23) and flood risk (76.20) dominate Washington's profile, reflecting coastal Atlantic exposure in southern towns. Tornado (29.39) and earthquake (67.27) present secondary concerns, while wildfire risk (23.06) remains manageable.
Secure Flood and Wind Coverage Now
Washington's 82.23 hurricane rating and 76.20 flood rating require separate flood insurance and comprehensive wind damage coverage—don't rely on standard homeowner policies alone. Coastal properties should also confirm earthquake riders given the county's 67.27 earthquake risk.
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
Washington County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 64th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Washington County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Washington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 76th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (67th percentile), tornado (29th percentile), wildfire (23th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hurricane risk is Washington County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 82th percentile nationally. The most time-sensitive preparedness step is knowing the county's evacuation zone for your address — zone maps are published by the county emergency management office. Flood at the 76th percentile nationally is Washington County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Washington County's county emergency management office publishes official evacuation zone maps with zone-specific shelter locations; downloading this map and identifying your zone assignment is the single highest-value pre-season step.
Regional Context
Washington County's composite risk score sits 7.4 points above the Rhode Island county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed 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, RI?
What types of natural hazards affect Washington County?
How does Washington County risk compare to the Rhode Island average?
Is Washington County at risk for hurricane?
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.