Fulton County, Pennsylvania Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · PA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 8th
Fulton County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 7.8, 8th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and hurricane exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $4M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Fulton County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 7.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 8th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. 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 Low risk — $26K in expected annual loss and about 0.87 events per year; hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $673K in expected annual loss and about 0.05 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Very Low risk — $104K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $4M in expected annual loss for a population of 15K.
Beyond physical exposure, Fulton County has a low 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: Fulton County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 5 for hurricane events and 4 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Remnants of Hurricane Ida (hurricane), declared in September 2021.
Among 67 Pennsylvania counties, Fulton County ranks #67 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Landslide | Low | 0.87 / yr | $26K |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.05 / yr | $673K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $104K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 3.92 / yr | $336K |
| Drought | Very Low | 0.30 / yr | $14K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $9K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $50 |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 13.00 / yr | $19K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.61 / yr | $3M |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 2.00 / yr | $51K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.13 / yr | $61K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.17 / yr | $151K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 36.86 / yr | $39K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.31 / yr | $5K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 1.47 / yr | $24K |
| 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
Fulton County has received 17 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Remnants of Hurricane Ida in September 2021. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (5), Snowstorm (4), Flood (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 | Remnants of Tropical Storm Lee |
| April 2010 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorms |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina |
| September 2004 | Hurricane | Tropical Depression Ivan |
Showing the 10 most recent of 17 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Fulton County?
Fulton County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 7.8 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 8th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Fulton County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Low, $26K EAL), Hurricane (Low, $673K EAL), Earthquake (Very Low, $104K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Fulton County compare to other Pennsylvania counties?
Fulton County ranks #67 of 67 Pennsylvania counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Fulton County had?
FEMA records 17 federal disaster declarations for Fulton County since 1972, most often 5 for hurricane events and 4 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. Fulton County's $4M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.