Maryland natural disaster risk
Maryland ranks #26 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are winter weather, heat wave, hurricane.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Maryland's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery County | 1,065,949 | 91.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Prince George's County | 959,754 | 93.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Baltimore County | 850,796 | 94.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| Anne Arundel County | 598,166 | 81.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Baltimore city | 573,243 | 95.0 | Relatively High |
| Howard County | 336,328 | 72.4 | Relatively Low |
| Frederick County | 287,048 | 74.2 | Relatively Low |
| Harford County | 263,757 | 72.5 | Relatively Low |
| Carroll County | 175,321 | 59.5 | Relatively Low |
| Charles County | 170,527 | 44.1 | Relatively Low |
| Washington County | 155,709 | 68.8 | Relatively Low |
| St. Mary's County | 115,126 | 42.6 | Very Low |
| Cecil County | 104,960 | 58.6 | Relatively Low |
| Wicomico County | 104,914 | 60.8 | Relatively Low |
| Calvert County | 94,313 | 28.9 | Very Low |
| Allegany County | 67,452 | 58.5 | Relatively Low |
| Worcester County | 53,700 | 68.2 | Relatively Low |
| Queen Anne's County | 51,825 | 35.6 | Very Low |
| Talbot County | 37,917 | 42.4 | Very Low |
| Caroline County | 33,669 | 45.7 | Relatively Low |
| Dorchester County | 32,754 | 53.8 | Relatively Low |
| Garrett County | 28,615 | 16.0 | Very Low |
| Somerset County | 24,822 | 59.6 | Relatively Low |
| Kent County | 19,346 | 27.5 | Very 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 Maryland
- Garrett County 16.0
- Calvert County 28.9
- Queen Anne's County 35.6
- Talbot County 42.4
- St. Mary's County 42.6
- Charles County 44.1
- Caroline County 45.7
- Dorchester County 53.8
Cities in Maryland
- Washington, D.C. risk 82.9
- Philadelphia, PA risk 94.5
- Baltimore, MD risk 84.1
Frequently asked questions
Is Maryland safe from natural disasters?
Maryland's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 80.9 out of 100 (among the highest of U.S. counties), #26 of 51 from safest. About 10% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Maryland?
The highest relative risks in Maryland are winter weather, heat wave, hurricane (national percentile scores 92, 91, 88).
Where is the safest place to live in Maryland?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Garrett County, Calvert County, Queen Anne's County.