Potter County, Pennsylvania Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · PA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 28th
Potter County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 28.1, 28th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and avalanche exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $8M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Potter County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 28.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 28th 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 — $20K in expected annual loss and about 1.71 events per year; avalanche (fast-moving snow and debris sliding down steep mountain slopes) at Very Low risk — $2K in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; and hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Very Low risk — $136K in expected annual loss and about 0.03 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $8M in expected annual loss for a population of 16K.
Beyond physical exposure, Potter County has a high 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). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
The federal record bears this out: Potter County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 4 for hurricane events and 3 for flood events. The most recent was Tropical Storm Debby (tropical storm), declared in September 2024.
Among 67 Pennsylvania counties, Potter County ranks #62 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Landslide | Low | 1.71 / yr | $20K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $2K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $136K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.61 / yr | $6M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 1.91 / yr | $503K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 17.37 / yr | $57K |
| Lightning | Low | 31.37 / yr | $148K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 4.16 / yr | $242K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $26K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.24 / yr | $10K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.24 / yr | $120K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.42 / yr | $7K |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.09 / yr | $10K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $956 |
| 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
Potter County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Tropical Storm Debby in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (4), Flood (3), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | Tropical Storm | Tropical Storm Debby |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| January 2013 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina |
| September 2004 | Hurricane | Tropical Depression Ivan |
| September 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding Associated with Tropical Depression Frances |
| August 2003 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| January 1996 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 14 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Potter County?
Potter County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 28.1 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 28th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Potter County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Low, $20K EAL), Avalanche (Very Low, $2K EAL), Hurricane (Very Low, $136K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Potter County compare to other Pennsylvania counties?
Potter County ranks #62 of 67 Pennsylvania counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Potter County had?
FEMA records 14 federal disaster declarations for Potter County since 1972, most often 4 for hurricane events and 3 for flood events. The most recent was Tropical Storm Debby, declared in September 2024.
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. Potter County's $8M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.