Camden County, New Jersey Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NJ
MediumComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 93th
Camden County faces medium composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 93.2, 93th national percentile), driven primarily by winter weather and heat wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $122M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Camden County is medium, with a National Risk Index score of 93.2 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Very High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 10.70 events per year; heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at High risk — $8M in expected annual loss and about 11.12 events per year; and lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 34.45 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $122M in expected annual loss for a population of 523K.
Beyond physical exposure, Camden County has a medium 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: Camden County has received 25 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 8 for hurricane events and 5 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Remnants of Hurricane Ida (hurricane), declared in September 2021.
Among 21 New Jersey counties, Camden County ranks #11 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Winter Weather | Very High | 10.70 / yr | $2M |
| Heat Wave | High | 11.12 / yr | $8M |
| Lightning | High | 34.45 / yr | $2M |
| Ice Storm | Very High | 0.83 / yr | $2M |
| Riverine Flood | High | 3.64 / yr | $76M |
| Strong Wind | High | 5.69 / yr | $2M |
| Earthquake | Medium | 0.00 / yr | $10M |
| Cold Wave | High | 0.79 / yr | $7M |
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.13 / yr | $5M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $711K |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.09 / yr | $5M |
| Coastal Flood | Medium | 3.69 / yr | $2M |
| Drought | Medium | 7.13 / yr | $461K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.06 / yr | $2K |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.94 / yr | $115K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Camden County has received 25 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Remnants of Hurricane Ida in September 2021. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (8), Snowstorm (5), Severe Storm (4).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2021 | Hurricane | Remnants of Hurricane Ida |
| September 2021 | Hurricane | Remnants of Hurricane Ida |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| March 2016 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| July 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Storm |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| August 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
| August 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
Showing the 10 most recent of 25 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Camden County?
Camden County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 93.2 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 Camden County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Winter Weather (Very High, $2M EAL), Heat Wave (High, $8M EAL), Lightning (High, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Camden County compare to other New Jersey counties?
Camden County ranks #11 of 21 New Jersey counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a medium rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Camden County had?
FEMA records 25 federal disaster declarations for Camden County since 1965, most often 8 for hurricane events and 5 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Remnants of Hurricane Ida, declared in September 2021.
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. Camden County's $122M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.