Hampshire County, Massachusetts Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MA
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 70th
Hampshire County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 69.9, 70th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and riverine flood exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $37M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Hampshire County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 69.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 70th 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 — $4M in expected annual loss and about 0.10 events per year; riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Medium risk — $25M in expected annual loss and about 1.86 events per year; and ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at Medium risk — $493K in expected annual loss and about 1.99 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $37M in expected annual loss for a population of 162K.
Beyond physical exposure, Hampshire County has a very low 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: Hampshire County has received 23 federal disaster declarations since 1985, including 7 for snowstorm events and 6 for hurricane events. The most recent was Hurricane Lee (hurricane), declared in September 2023.
Among 14 Massachusetts counties, Hampshire County ranks #11 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.10 / yr | $4M |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 1.86 / yr | $25M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 1.99 / yr | $493K |
| Landslide | Low | 0.60 / yr | $8K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $1M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 1.72 / yr | $1M |
| Lightning | Medium | 25.32 / yr | $606K |
| Drought | Low | 4.38 / yr | $480K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 4.00 / yr | $732K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 3.19 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Low | 3.04 / yr | $346K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.16 / yr | $1M |
| Winter Weather | Low | 18.43 / yr | $75K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $26K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $106 |
| 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
Hampshire County has received 23 federal disaster declarations since 1985, most recently Hurricane Lee in September 2023. Most frequent causes: Snowstorm (7), Hurricane (6), Severe Storm (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 |
| March 2011 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
Showing the 10 most recent of 23 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Hampshire County?
Hampshire County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 69.9 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 70th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Hampshire County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Medium, $4M EAL), Riverine Flood (Medium, $25M EAL), Ice Storm (Medium, $493K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Hampshire County compare to other Massachusetts counties?
Hampshire County ranks #11 of 14 Massachusetts counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Hampshire County had?
FEMA records 23 federal disaster declarations for Hampshire County since 1985, most often 7 for snowstorm events and 6 for hurricane 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. Hampshire County's $37M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.