Kent County, Delaware Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · DE
MediumComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 85th
Kent County faces medium composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 84.5, 85th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $56M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Kent County is medium, with a National Risk Index score of 84.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 85th national percentile and near the national midpoint for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
The county's risk is driven primarily by cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at High risk — $10M in expected annual loss and about 0.79 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at High risk — $534K in expected annual loss and about 7.78 events per year; and hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $10M in expected annual loss and about 0.11 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $56M in expected annual loss for a population of 182K.
Beyond physical exposure, Kent County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
The federal record bears this out: Kent County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 7 for hurricane events and 4 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in May 2026.
Among 3 Delaware counties, Kent County ranks #3 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | High | 0.79 / yr | $10M |
| Winter Weather | High | 7.78 / yr | $534K |
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.11 / yr | $10M |
| Heat Wave | Medium | 5.25 / yr | $3M |
| Drought | Medium | 5.48 / yr | $1M |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 1.39 / yr | $24M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $2M |
| Lightning | Medium | 33.57 / yr | $585K |
| Coastal Flood | Medium | 3.69 / yr | $1M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.35 / yr | $3M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.43 / yr | $205K |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $126K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 4.68 / yr | $770K |
| Hail | Low | 1.62 / yr | $236K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $330 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Kent County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Winter Storm in May 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (7), Snowstorm (4), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| October 2020 | Hurricane | Tropical Storm Isaias |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| November 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| September 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| August 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| March 2010 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorms |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
Showing the 10 most recent of 17 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Kent County?
Kent County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 84.5 out of 100, placing it in the Medium category and the 85th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Kent County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $10M EAL), Winter Weather (High, $534K EAL), Hurricane (Medium, $10M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Kent County compare to other Delaware counties?
Kent County ranks #3 of 3 Delaware counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a medium rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Kent County had?
FEMA records 17 federal disaster declarations for Kent County since 1965, most often 7 for hurricane events and 4 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm, declared in May 2026.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Kent County's $56M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.