Kent County, Maryland Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MD
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 28th
Kent County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 27.5, 28th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $8M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Kent County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 27.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 28th 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.
Most of Kent County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 6.23 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.07 events per year; and lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Medium risk — $399K in expected annual loss and about 35.89 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $8M in expected annual loss for a population of 19K.
Beyond physical exposure, Kent County has a medium 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: Kent County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 7 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, Kent County ranks #23 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 6.23 / yr | $2M |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.07 / yr | $2M |
| Lightning | Medium | 35.89 / yr | $399K |
| Coastal Flood | Low | 3.70 / yr | $474K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 5.47 / yr | $414K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $286K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 8.47 / yr | $53K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 7.14 / yr | $395K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.77 / yr | $36K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.78 / yr | $89K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $10K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.84 / yr | $278K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.26 / yr | $298K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.06 / yr | $131 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.75 / yr | $2M |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Kent County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (7), Snowstorm (6), 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 |
| September 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| August 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| May 2010 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorms |
Showing the 10 most recent of 21 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Kent County?
Kent County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 27.5 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 28th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Kent County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $2M EAL), Hurricane (Low, $2M EAL), Lightning (Medium, $399K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Kent County compare to other Maryland counties?
Kent County ranks #23 of 24 Maryland counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Kent County had?
FEMA records 21 federal disaster declarations for Kent County since 1972, most often 7 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. Kent County's $8M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.