Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · PA
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 50th
Huntingdon County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 50.3, 50th national percentile), driven primarily by strong wind and landslide exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $16M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Huntingdon County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 50.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 50th 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 strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 3.28 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Medium risk — $48K in expected annual loss and about 1.46 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $166K in expected annual loss and about 13.32 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $16M in expected annual loss for a population of 44K.
Beyond physical exposure, Huntingdon 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: Huntingdon County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 5 for hurricane events and 5 for flood events. The most recent was Remnants of Hurricane Ida (hurricane), declared in September 2021.
Among 67 Pennsylvania counties, Huntingdon County ranks #57 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Strong Wind | High | 3.28 / yr | $2M |
| Landslide | Medium | 1.46 / yr | $48K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 13.32 / yr | $166K |
| Hurricane | Low | 0.05 / yr | $640K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.79 / yr | $12M |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $2K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $162K |
| Lightning | Low | 35.74 / yr | $128K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.68 / yr | $115K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.31 / yr | $399K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $9K |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.66 / yr | $66K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.13 / yr | $5K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 1.58 / yr | $59K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Huntingdon County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Remnants of Hurricane Ida in September 2021. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (5), Flood (5), Severe Storm (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2021 | Hurricane | Remnants of Hurricane Ida |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| 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 18 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Huntingdon County?
Huntingdon County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 50.3 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 50th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Huntingdon County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Strong Wind (High, $2M EAL), Landslide (Medium, $48K EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $166K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Huntingdon County compare to other Pennsylvania counties?
Huntingdon County ranks #57 of 67 Pennsylvania counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Huntingdon County had?
FEMA records 18 federal disaster declarations for Huntingdon County since 1972, most often 5 for hurricane events and 5 for flood 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. Huntingdon County's $16M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.