Talbot County, Maryland Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MD
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 42th
Talbot County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 42.4, 42th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $13M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Talbot County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 42.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 42nd 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.
Risk here concentrates in drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 3.78 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.12 events per year; and heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 5.58 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $13M in expected annual loss for a population of 37K.
Beyond physical exposure, Talbot 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.
History supports the rating: Talbot County has received 20 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, Talbot County ranks #20 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 3.78 / yr | $1M |
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.12 / yr | $3M |
| Heat Wave | Medium | 5.58 / yr | $2M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $182K |
| Coastal Flood | Medium | 3.65 / yr | $1M |
| Lightning | Medium | 36.53 / yr | $381K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $405K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 7.42 / yr | $81K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 6.09 / yr | $489K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.42 / yr | $61K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.79 / yr | $662K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.29 / yr | $541K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.79 / yr | $3M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $75 |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.49 / yr | $56K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Talbot County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (7), Snowstorm (6), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| November 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| September 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| August 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| May 2010 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorms |
| February 2010 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
Showing the 10 most recent of 20 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Talbot County?
Talbot County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 42.4 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 42th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Talbot County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $1M EAL), Hurricane (Medium, $3M EAL), Heat Wave (Medium, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Talbot County compare to other Maryland counties?
Talbot County ranks #20 of 24 Maryland counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Talbot County had?
FEMA records 20 federal disaster declarations for Talbot 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. Talbot County's $13M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.