Hampden County, Massachusetts Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MA
MediumComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 93th
Hampden County faces medium composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 92.8, 93th national percentile), driven primarily by riverine flood and ice storm exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $107M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Hampden County is medium, with a National Risk Index score of 92.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 93rd national percentile and near the national midpoint 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 riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at High risk — $75M in expected annual loss and about 2.82 events per year; ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at High risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 2.32 events per year; and hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at High risk — $12M in expected annual loss and about 0.11 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $107M in expected annual loss for a population of 465K.
Beyond physical exposure, Hampden County has a high 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). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Hampden County has received 24 federal disaster declarations since 1985, including 7 for hurricane events and 6 for severe storm events. The most recent was Hurricane Lee (hurricane), declared in September 2023.
Among 14 Massachusetts counties, Hampden County ranks #5 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Riverine Flood | High | 2.82 / yr | $75M |
| Ice Storm | High | 2.32 / yr | $1M |
| Hurricane | High | 0.11 / yr | $12M |
| Strong Wind | High | 1.80 / yr | $2M |
| Earthquake | Medium | 0.00 / yr | $5M |
| Heat Wave | Medium | 5.06 / yr | $2M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 2.84 / yr | $4M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 17.54 / yr | $220K |
| Hail | Medium | 2.94 / yr | $890K |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.19 / yr | $4M |
| Lightning | Medium | 26.53 / yr | $443K |
| Landslide | Low | 0.67 / yr | $4K |
| Drought | Low | 4.01 / yr | $218K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $21K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $199 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Hampden County has received 24 federal disaster declarations since 1985, most recently Hurricane Lee in September 2023. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (7), Severe Storm (6), Snowstorm (6).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2023 | Hurricane | Hurricane Lee |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| April 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, and Flooding |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| January 2012 | Severe Storm | Severe Storm and Snowstorm |
| November 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storm |
| September 2011 | Hurricane | Tropical Storm Irene |
| August 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| June 2011 | Tornado | Severe Storms and Tornadoes |
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 Hampden County?
Hampden County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 92.8 out of 100, placing it in the Medium category and the 93th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Hampden County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Riverine Flood (High, $75M EAL), Ice Storm (High, $1M EAL), Hurricane (High, $12M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Hampden County compare to other Massachusetts counties?
Hampden County ranks #5 of 14 Massachusetts counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a medium rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Hampden County had?
FEMA records 24 federal disaster declarations for Hampden County since 1985, most often 7 for hurricane events and 6 for severe storm events. The most recent was Hurricane Lee, declared in September 2023.
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. Hampden County's $107M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.