New Hampshire natural disaster risk
New Hampshire ranks #23 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are ice storm, riverine flooding, hurricane.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in New Hampshire's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough County | 426,378 | 89.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Rockingham County | 319,082 | 85.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Merrimack County | 155,967 | 78.2 | Relatively Low |
| Strafford County | 132,575 | 64.1 | Relatively Low |
| Grafton County | 92,120 | 81.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Cheshire County | 77,297 | 60.5 | Relatively Low |
| Belknap County | 64,659 | 57.4 | Relatively Low |
| Carroll County | 51,804 | 71.0 | Relatively Low |
| Sullivan County | 43,715 | 37.6 | Very Low |
| Coos County | 31,271 | 72.8 | 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 New Hampshire
- Sullivan County 37.6
- Belknap County 57.4
- Cheshire County 60.5
- Strafford County 64.1
- Carroll County 71.0
- Coos County 72.8
- Merrimack County 78.2
- Grafton County 81.8
Cities in New Hampshire
- Boston, MA risk 93.2
- Manchester, NH risk 89.8
Frequently asked questions
Is New Hampshire safe from natural disasters?
New Hampshire's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 78.8 out of 100 (above average for U.S. counties), #23 of 51 from safest. No residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in New Hampshire?
The highest relative risks in New Hampshire are ice storm, riverine flooding, hurricane (national percentile scores 89, 86, 84).
Where is the safest place to live in New Hampshire?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Sullivan County, Belknap County, Cheshire County.