Calvert County, Maryland Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MD
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 29th
Calvert County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 28.9, 29th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and landslide exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $16M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Calvert County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 28.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 29th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. 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 hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 0.11 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $9K in expected annual loss and about 0.14 events per year; and heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 6.37 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $16M in expected annual loss for a population of 93K.
Beyond physical exposure, Calvert County has a very 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.
History supports the rating: Calvert County has received 24 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 8 for hurricane events and 6 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 24 Maryland counties, Calvert County ranks #22 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.11 / yr | $4M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.14 / yr | $9K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 6.37 / yr | $1M |
| Drought | Medium | 3.55 / yr | $725K |
| Lightning | Medium | 38.60 / yr | $559K |
| Coastal Flood | Low | 3.65 / yr | $754K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 6.84 / yr | $121K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $91K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $467K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 5.62 / yr | $894K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.39 / yr | $88K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 1.14 / yr | $6M |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.82 / yr | $183K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.05 / yr | $603K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.21 / yr | $315K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Calvert County has received 24 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (8), Snowstorm (6), Severe Storm (4).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| February 2021 | Hurricane | Tropical Storm Isaias |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| March 2016 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| November 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| August 2012 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds |
| September 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| August 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
Showing the 10 most recent of 24 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Calvert County?
Calvert County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 28.9 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 29th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Calvert County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Medium, $4M EAL), Landslide (Low, $9K EAL), Heat Wave (Low, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Calvert County compare to other Maryland counties?
Calvert County ranks #22 of 24 Maryland counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Calvert County had?
FEMA records 24 federal disaster declarations for Calvert County since 1972, most often 8 for hurricane events and 6 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm, declared in January 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. Calvert County's $16M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.