Charles County, Maryland Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MD
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 44th
Charles County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 44.1, 44th national percentile), driven primarily by heat wave and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $23M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Charles County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 44.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 44th 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 heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 6.21 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.09 events per year; and strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 6.24 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $23M in expected annual loss for a population of 166K.
Beyond physical exposure, Charles 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.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Charles County has received 24 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 7 for snowstorm events and 7 for hurricane events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 24 Maryland counties, Charles County ranks #18 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Heat Wave | Medium | 6.21 / yr | $2M |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.09 / yr | $2M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 6.24 / yr | $2M |
| Lightning | Medium | 39.65 / yr | $924K |
| Drought | Medium | 2.89 / yr | $965K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 7.95 / yr | $218K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $1M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.17 / yr | $5K |
| Coastal Flood | Low | 3.66 / yr | $274K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.68 / yr | $11M |
| Hail | Low | 3.24 / yr | $326K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.40 / yr | $82K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.45 / yr | $785K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $11K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 1.05 / yr | $298K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Charles County has received 24 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Snowstorm (7), Hurricane (7), Severe Storm (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| 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 |
| October 2011 | Flood | Remnants of Tropical Storm Lee |
| 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 Charles County?
Charles County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 44.1 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 44th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Charles County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Heat Wave (Medium, $2M EAL), Hurricane (Low, $2M EAL), Strong Wind (Medium, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Charles County compare to other Maryland counties?
Charles County ranks #18 of 24 Maryland counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Charles County had?
FEMA records 24 federal disaster declarations for Charles County since 1972, most often 7 for snowstorm events and 7 for hurricane 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. Charles County's $23M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.