Washington County, Maine Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · ME
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 48th
Washington County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 47.6, 48th national percentile), driven primarily by winter weather and ice storm exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $11M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Washington County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 47.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 48th 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.
Risk here concentrates in winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at High risk — $445K in expected annual loss and about 22.81 events per year; ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at High risk — $943K in expected annual loss and about 1.04 events per year; and hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.10 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $11M in expected annual loss for a population of 31K.
Beyond physical exposure, Washington County has a very high 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). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Washington County has received 26 federal disaster declarations since 1970, including 10 for severe storm events and 5 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding (severe storm), declared in March 2024.
Among 16 Maine counties, Washington County ranks #11 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Winter Weather | High | 22.81 / yr | $445K |
| Ice Storm | High | 1.04 / yr | $943K |
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.10 / yr | $3M |
| Coastal Flood | Medium | 11.31 / yr | $1M |
| Lightning | Medium | 13.08 / yr | $321K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.72 / yr | $2K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 2.96 / yr | $831K |
| Drought | Low | 4.16 / yr | $93K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $166K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.04 / yr | $4M |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $6K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $56K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.64 / yr | $14K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.54 / yr | $57K |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.23 / yr | $20K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Washington County has received 26 federal disaster declarations since 1970, most recently Severe Storms and Flooding in March 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (10), Snowstorm (5), Flood (4).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| 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 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, and Flooding |
| February 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| July 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides |
| April 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Inland and Coastal Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
Showing the 10 most recent of 26 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Washington County?
Washington County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 47.6 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 48th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Washington County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Winter Weather (High, $445K EAL), Ice Storm (High, $943K EAL), Hurricane (Medium, $3M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Washington County compare to other Maine counties?
Washington County ranks #11 of 16 Maine counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Washington County had?
FEMA records 26 federal disaster declarations for Washington County since 1970, most often 10 for severe storm events and 5 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding, declared in March 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. Washington County's $11M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.