Pennsylvania natural disaster risk
Pennsylvania ranks #36 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are riverine flooding, winter weather, lightning.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Pennsylvania's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia County | 1,579,706 | 99.6 | Very High |
| Allegheny County | 1,238,177 | 98.1 | Relatively High |
| Montgomery County | 867,573 | 96.8 | Relatively High |
| Bucks County | 647,461 | 94.8 | Relatively High |
| Delaware County | 579,222 | 92.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Lancaster County | 557,931 | 95.0 | Relatively High |
| Chester County | 547,840 | 91.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| York County | 462,924 | 90.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Berks County | 433,015 | 92.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Lehigh County | 378,792 | 93.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Westmoreland County | 352,500 | 87.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Luzerne County | 327,675 | 91.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Northampton County | 318,580 | 90.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| Dauphin County | 289,593 | 91.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Erie County | 269,052 | 84.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Cumberland County | 268,323 | 86.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Lackawanna County | 216,146 | 89.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Washington County | 210,042 | 83.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Butler County | 197,254 | 79.3 | Relatively Low |
| Monroe County | 167,515 | 85.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Beaver County | 166,324 | 75.3 | Relatively Low |
| Centre County | 158,576 | 68.0 | Relatively Low |
| Franklin County | 157,379 | 76.4 | Relatively Low |
| Lebanon County | 144,186 | 79.9 | Relatively Low |
| Schuylkill County | 143,558 | 85.3 | Relatively Moderate |
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 Pennsylvania
- Clarion County 30.0
- Juniata County 38.8
- Wyoming County 44.8
- Elk County 45.2
- Huntingdon County 50.3
- Clinton County 51.8
- Perry County 53.1
- Susquehanna County 53.6
Cities in Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, PA risk 94.5
- Pittsburgh, PA risk 89.6
- Allentown, PA risk 88.2
- Harrisburg, PA risk 86
Frequently asked questions
Is Pennsylvania safe from natural disasters?
Pennsylvania's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 87.4 out of 100 (among the highest of U.S. counties), #36 of 51 from safest. About 38% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Pennsylvania?
The highest relative risks in Pennsylvania are riverine flooding, winter weather, lightning (national percentile scores 92, 88, 87).
Where is the safest place to live in Pennsylvania?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Clarion County, Juniata County, Wyoming County.