Northampton County, Pennsylvania Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · PA
MediumComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 90th
Northampton County faces medium composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 90.0, 90th national percentile), driven primarily by winter weather and heat wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $90M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Northampton County is medium, with a National Risk Index score of 90.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 90th 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 High risk — $940K in expected annual loss and about 14.21 events per year; heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Medium risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 5.95 events per year; and riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at High risk — $63M in expected annual loss and about 3.32 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $90M in expected annual loss for a population of 313K.
Beyond physical exposure, Northampton 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: Northampton County has received 24 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 7 for hurricane events and 6 for severe storm events. The most recent was Remnants of Hurricane Ida (hurricane), declared in September 2021.
Among 67 Pennsylvania counties, Northampton County ranks #13 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Winter Weather | High | 14.21 / yr | $940K |
| Heat Wave | Medium | 5.95 / yr | $5M |
| Riverine Flood | High | 3.32 / yr | $63M |
| Lightning | High | 34.58 / yr | $2M |
| Hurricane | Medium | 0.06 / yr | $5M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $3M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 1.00 / yr | $5M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 6.13 / yr | $1M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.17 / yr | $4M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.24 / yr | $11K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 1.67 / yr | $259K |
| Drought | Low | 1.86 / yr | $228K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $173 |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $14K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.57 / yr | $107K |
| 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
Northampton County has received 24 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Remnants of Hurricane Ida in September 2021. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (7), Severe Storm (6), Flood (5).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2021 | Hurricane | Remnants of Hurricane Ida |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| November 2018 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| 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 |
| September 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
Showing the 10 most recent of 24 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Northampton County?
Northampton County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 90.0 out of 100, placing it in the Medium category and the 90th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Northampton County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Winter Weather (High, $940K EAL), Heat Wave (Medium, $5M EAL), Riverine Flood (High, $63M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Northampton County compare to other Pennsylvania counties?
Northampton County ranks #13 of 67 Pennsylvania counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a medium rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Northampton County had?
FEMA records 24 federal disaster declarations for Northampton County since 1965, most often 7 for hurricane events and 6 for severe storm 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. Northampton County's $90M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.