Androscoggin County, Maine Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · ME
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 59th
Androscoggin County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 59.1, 59th national percentile), driven primarily by winter weather and ice storm exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $23M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Androscoggin County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 59.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 59th national percentile and below the national average 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 winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Very High risk — $977K in expected annual loss and about 21.06 events per year; ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 1.38 events per year; and hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 0.12 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $23M in expected annual loss for a population of 111K.
Beyond physical exposure, Androscoggin County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very 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: Androscoggin County has received 31 federal disaster declarations since 1970, including 11 for severe storm events and 7 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Storm and Flooding (severe storm), declared in January 2024.
Among 16 Maine counties, Androscoggin County ranks #8 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Winter Weather | Very High | 21.06 / yr | $977K |
| Ice Storm | High | 1.38 / yr | $2M |
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.12 / yr | $5M |
| Drought | Medium | 4.45 / yr | $808K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $1M |
| Lightning | Medium | 18.10 / yr | $547K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.75 / yr | $10M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.32 / yr | $3K |
| Hail | Low | 1.17 / yr | $386K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.40 / yr | $560K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.93 / yr | $712K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.91 / yr | $208K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $12K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $249K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Androscoggin County has received 31 federal disaster declarations since 1970, most recently Severe Storm and Flooding in January 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (11), Snowstorm (7), Flood (6).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storm and Flooding |
| September 2023 | Hurricane | Hurricane Lee |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| March 2015 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, and Flooding |
| March 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, and Flooding |
| January 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Flooding |
| September 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| April 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Inland and Coastal Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
Showing the 10 most recent of 31 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Androscoggin County?
Androscoggin County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 59.1 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 59th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Androscoggin County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Winter Weather (Very High, $977K EAL), Ice Storm (High, $2M EAL), Hurricane (Medium, $5M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Androscoggin County compare to other Maine counties?
Androscoggin County ranks #8 of 16 Maine counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Androscoggin County had?
FEMA records 31 federal disaster declarations for Androscoggin County since 1970, most often 11 for severe storm events and 7 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Storm and Flooding, declared in January 2024.
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. Androscoggin County's $23M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.