Connecticut natural disaster risk
Connecticut ranks #43 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are riverine flooding, hurricane, ice storm.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Connecticut's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capitol Planning Region | 977,290 | 97.4 | Relatively High |
| Western Connecticut Planning Region | 627,071 | 96.3 | Relatively High |
| South Central Connecticut Planning Region | 570,598 | 95.1 | Relatively High |
| Naugatuck Valley Planning Region | 454,969 | 93.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Greater Bridgeport Planning Region | 329,259 | 91.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region | 279,971 | 88.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region | 175,822 | 83.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Northwest Hills Planning Region | 113,216 | 79.6 | Relatively Low |
| Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region | 96,312 | 62.8 | Relatively Low |
County scores are averages, and the insurance figure above is what owners with a mortgage reported paying in 2024 (Census American Community Survey); premiums have risen since, especially in high-risk areas. For a specific home, check the address on FEMA's flood map and get insurance quotes before you commit. Our guide explains how to check natural disaster risk before you move.
Lowest-risk counties in Connecticut
- Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region 62.8
- Northwest Hills Planning Region 79.6
- Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region 83.8
- Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region 88.6
- Greater Bridgeport Planning Region 91.8
- Naugatuck Valley Planning Region 93.2
- South Central Connecticut Planning Region 95.1
- Western Connecticut Planning Region 96.3
Cities in Connecticut
- Hartford, CT risk 95.3
- Bridgeport, CT risk 94.7
- New Haven, CT risk 95.1
- Norwich, CT risk 88.6
Frequently asked questions
Is Connecticut safe from natural disasters?
Connecticut's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 93 out of 100 (among the highest of U.S. counties), #43 of 51 from safest. About 60% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Connecticut?
The highest relative risks in Connecticut are riverine flooding, hurricane, ice storm (national percentile scores 96, 94, 91).
Where is the safest place to live in Connecticut?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Northwest Hills Planning Region, Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region.