Oxford County, Maine Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · ME
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 66th
Oxford County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 65.9, 66th national percentile), driven primarily by winter weather and ice storm exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $22M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Oxford County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 65.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 66th 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 High risk — $585K in expected annual loss and about 24.15 events per year; ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at High risk — $978K in expected annual loss and about 0.77 events per year; and hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 0.08 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $22M in expected annual loss for a population of 58K.
Beyond physical exposure, Oxford County has a medium 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.
History supports the rating: Oxford County has received 37 federal disaster declarations since 1970, including 14 for severe storm events and 9 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storm and Flooding (severe storm), declared in January 2024.
Among 16 Maine counties, Oxford County ranks #7 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Winter Weather | High | 24.15 / yr | $585K |
| Ice Storm | High | 0.77 / yr | $978K |
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.08 / yr | $4M |
| Landslide | Low | 2.79 / yr | $21K |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 3.14 / yr | $13M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 4.81 / yr | $2M |
| Avalanche | Low | 0.01 / yr | $4K |
| Lightning | Medium | 18.24 / yr | $377K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $407K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.38 / yr | $493K |
| Drought | Low | 1.89 / yr | $63K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.08 / yr | $135K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $11K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.17 / yr | $154K |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.11 / yr | $34K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Oxford County has received 37 federal disaster declarations since 1970, most recently Severe Storm and Flooding in January 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (14), Flood (9), Snowstorm (6).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storm and Flooding |
| September 2023 | Hurricane | Hurricane Lee |
| September 2023 | Flood | Severe Storm and Flooding |
| July 2023 | Flood | Severe Storm and Flooding |
| March 2023 | Severe Storm | Severe Storm and Flooding |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| January 2018 | Severe Storm | Severe Storm and Flooding |
| September 2011 | Hurricane | Tropical Storm Irene |
| July 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides |
Showing the 10 most recent of 37 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Oxford County?
Oxford County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 65.9 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 66th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Oxford County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Winter Weather (High, $585K EAL), Ice Storm (High, $978K EAL), Hurricane (Medium, $4M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Oxford County compare to other Maine counties?
Oxford County ranks #7 of 16 Maine counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Oxford County had?
FEMA records 37 federal disaster declarations for Oxford County since 1970, most often 14 for severe storm events and 9 for flood 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. Oxford County's $22M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.