Drought Risk in Massachusetts
All Massachusetts counties ranked by FEMA National Risk Index drought score
Drought risk — extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture — is rated for 13 of 14 Massachusetts counties in FEMA's National Risk Index. Essex County carries the state's highest drought score at 89.9, with $2M in expected annual drought losses.
No Massachusetts county reaches the High band for drought, and expected annual losses from drought total roughly $6M statewide. The full ranking below links to each county's complete 18-hazard risk profile.
County Rankings — Drought
| # | County | Drought Score | Rating | Ann. Freq. | Ann. Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Essex County | Medium | 8.48 / yr | $2M | |
| 2 | Middlesex County | Medium | 7.12 / yr | $2M | |
| 3 | Worcester County | Medium | 4.28 / yr | $704K | |
| 4 | Plymouth County | Medium | 3.15 / yr | $690K | |
| 5 | Hampshire County | Low | 4.38 / yr | $480K | |
| 6 | Bristol County | Low | 4.09 / yr | $295K | |
| 7 | Hampden County | Low | 4.01 / yr | $218K | |
| 8 | Franklin County | Low | 2.36 / yr | $240K | |
| 9 | Norfolk County | Low | 5.77 / yr | $98K | |
| 10 | Barnstable County | Low | 1.87 / yr | $31K | |
| 11 | Berkshire County | Very Low | 0.75 / yr | $7K | |
| 12 | Nantucket County | Very Low | 1.11 / yr | $12K | |
| 13 | Dukes County | Very Low | 2.45 / yr | $4K |
13 Massachusetts counties with measurable drought risk. See the national drought ranking or all Massachusetts counties by overall risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Massachusetts county has the highest drought risk?
Essex County has the highest FEMA drought risk score in Massachusetts at 89.9 (Medium), with $2M in expected annual losses and about 8.48 events per year.
How many Massachusetts counties face significant drought risk?
13 Massachusetts counties record measurable drought risk in FEMA's National Risk Index; 0 of them are rated High or Very High.