Wicomico County, Maryland Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MD
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 61th
Wicomico County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 60.8, 61th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $24M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Wicomico County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 60.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 61st 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Medium risk — $11M in expected annual loss and about 0.22 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $482K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $217K in expected annual loss and about 5.95 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $24M in expected annual loss for a population of 104K.
Beyond physical exposure, Wicomico County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a 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: Wicomico County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 6 for hurricane events and 4 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm (winter storm), declared in January 2026.
Among 24 Maryland counties, Wicomico County ranks #11 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.22 / yr | $11M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $482K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 5.95 / yr | $217K |
| Drought | Medium | 4.08 / yr | $793K |
| Lightning | Medium | 35.21 / yr | $556K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 4.16 / yr | $747K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.34 / yr | $154K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $510K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.05 / yr | $2M |
| Coastal Flood | Low | 3.65 / yr | $432K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.71 / yr | $6M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.63 / yr | $398K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.12 / yr | $701K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $194 |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.82 / yr | $96K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Wicomico County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Severe Winter Storm in January 2026. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (6), Snowstorm (4), 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 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| September 2003 | Hurricane | Hurricane Isabel |
Showing the 10 most recent of 14 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Wicomico County?
Wicomico County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 60.8 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 61th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Wicomico County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Medium, $11M EAL), Wildfire (Low, $482K EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $217K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Wicomico County compare to other Maryland counties?
Wicomico County ranks #11 of 24 Maryland counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Wicomico County had?
FEMA records 14 federal disaster declarations for Wicomico County since 1972, most often 6 for hurricane events and 4 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. Wicomico County's $24M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.