Bristol County, Rhode Island Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · RI
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 19th
Bristol County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 19.4, 19th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and coastal flood exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $9M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Bristol County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 19.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 19th 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.
Risk here concentrates in hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.20 events per year; coastal flood (seawater inundation from storm surge, high tides, and rising sea levels) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 3.76 events per year; and lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Medium risk — $498K in expected annual loss and about 21.20 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $9M in expected annual loss for a population of 51K.
Beyond physical exposure, Bristol County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very 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: Bristol County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1978, including 8 for hurricane events and 6 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm (snowstorm), declared in May 2022.
Among 5 Rhode Island counties, Bristol County ranks #5 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Low | 0.20 / yr | $1M |
| Coastal Flood | Medium | 3.76 / yr | $1M |
| Lightning | Medium | 21.20 / yr | $498K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $384K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.71 / yr | $6M |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 3.44 / yr | $161K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.24 / yr | $24K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 9.94 / yr | $22K |
| Drought | Very Low | 2.91 / yr | $2K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.70 / yr | $156K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.83 / yr | $164K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $141K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $7 |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $2K |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.06 / yr | $2K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Bristol County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1978, most recently Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm in May 2022. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (8), Snowstorm (6), Severe Storm (4).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| May 2022 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| August 2021 | Hurricane | Hurricane Henri |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| April 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| March 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| November 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| October 2012 | Hurricane | Hurricane Sandy |
| September 2011 | Hurricane | Tropical Storm Irene |
| August 2011 | Hurricane | Hurricane Irene |
Showing the 10 most recent of 20 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Bristol County?
Bristol County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 19.4 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 19th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Bristol County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Low, $1M EAL), Coastal Flood (Medium, $1M EAL), Lightning (Medium, $498K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Bristol County compare to other Rhode Island counties?
Bristol County ranks #5 of 5 Rhode Island counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Bristol County had?
FEMA records 20 federal disaster declarations for Bristol County since 1978, most often 8 for hurricane events and 6 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm, declared in May 2022.
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. Bristol County's $9M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.