Bedford County, Pennsylvania Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · PA
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 68th
Bedford County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 68.2, 68th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and riverine flood exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $24M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Bedford County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 68.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 68th 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 landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Medium risk — $68K in expected annual loss and about 1.68 events per year; riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Medium risk — $21M in expected annual loss and about 1.64 events per year; and hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.04 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $24M in expected annual loss for a population of 48K.
Beyond physical exposure, Bedford 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.
The federal record bears this out: Bedford County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 7 for flood events and 5 for hurricane events. The most recent was Remnants of Hurricane Ida (hurricane), declared in September 2021.
Among 67 Pennsylvania counties, Bedford County ranks #35 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Landslide | Medium | 1.68 / yr | $68K |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 1.64 / yr | $21M |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.04 / yr | $1M |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $1K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 3.43 / yr | $540K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $180K |
| Lightning | Low | 37.22 / yr | $163K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 13.90 / yr | $38K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.16 / yr | $122K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.37 / yr | $127K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $12K |
| Drought | Very Low | 0.17 / yr | $20K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.34 / yr | $348K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.28 / yr | $15K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 1.84 / yr | $48K |
| 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
Bedford County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Remnants of Hurricane Ida in September 2021. Most frequent causes: Flood (7), Hurricane (5), Snowstorm (4).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2021 | Hurricane | Remnants of Hurricane Ida |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| March 2016 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| January 2013 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| September 2011 | Flood | Tropical Storm Lee |
| September 2011 | Flood | Remnants of Tropical Storm Lee |
| April 2010 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorms |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina |
Showing the 10 most recent of 21 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Bedford County?
Bedford County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 68.2 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 68th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Bedford County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Medium, $68K EAL), Riverine Flood (Medium, $21M EAL), Hurricane (Low, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Bedford County compare to other Pennsylvania counties?
Bedford County ranks #35 of 67 Pennsylvania counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Bedford County had?
FEMA records 21 federal disaster declarations for Bedford County since 1972, most often 7 for flood events and 5 for hurricane 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. Bedford County's $24M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.