Massachusetts natural disaster risk
Massachusetts ranks #41 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are riverine flooding, hurricane, earthquake.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Massachusetts's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middlesex County | 1,638,365 | 96.9 | Relatively High |
| Worcester County | 867,788 | 93.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Essex County | 813,054 | 95.6 | Relatively High |
| Suffolk County | 785,121 | 93.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Norfolk County | 730,082 | 92.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| Bristol County | 582,270 | 89.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Plymouth County | 535,075 | 90.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hampden County | 462,815 | 92.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Barnstable County | 231,668 | 89.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hampshire County | 162,028 | 69.9 | Relatively Low |
| Berkshire County | 129,430 | 84.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| Franklin County | 70,944 | 60.7 | Relatively Low |
| Dukes County | 20,933 | 16.8 | Very Low |
| Nantucket County | 14,483 | 38.7 | 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 Massachusetts
- Dukes County 16.8
- Franklin County 60.7
- Hampshire County 69.9
- Berkshire County 84.0
- Barnstable County 89.1
- Bristol County 89.9
- Plymouth County 90.4
- Norfolk County 92.0
Cities in Massachusetts
- Boston, MA risk 93.2
- Providence, RI risk 82.4
- Worcester, MA risk 93.5
Frequently asked questions
Is Massachusetts safe from natural disasters?
Massachusetts's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 92.3 out of 100 (among the highest of U.S. counties), #41 of 51 from safest. About 35% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Massachusetts?
The highest relative risks in Massachusetts are riverine flooding, hurricane, earthquake (national percentile scores 95, 93, 91).
Where is the safest place to live in Massachusetts?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Dukes County, Franklin County, Hampshire County.