Newport County, Rhode Island Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · RI
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 36th
Newport County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 36.4, 36th national percentile), driven primarily by hurricane and coastal flood exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $14M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Newport County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 36.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 36th 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 hurricane (tropical cyclones bringing extreme wind, rain, and storm surge) at Low risk — $2M 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 — $754K in expected annual loss and about 3.70 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Very Low risk — $483K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $14M in expected annual loss for a population of 86K.
Beyond physical exposure, Newport 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: Newport County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1978, including 8 for hurricane events and 6 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding (severe storm), declared in March 2024.
Among 5 Rhode Island counties, Newport County ranks #4 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hurricane | Low | 0.20 / yr | $2M |
| Coastal Flood | Medium | 3.70 / yr | $754K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $483K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.46 / yr | $9M |
| Lightning | Low | 19.71 / yr | $281K |
| Drought | Low | 3.57 / yr | $98K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.70 / yr | $430K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 2.61 / yr | $208K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 9.74 / yr | $41K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.24 / yr | $41K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.73 / yr | $243K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $219K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $6K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $32 |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.06 / yr | $3K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Newport County has received 22 federal disaster declarations since 1978, most recently Severe Storms and Flooding in March 2024. Most frequent causes: Hurricane (8), Severe Storm (6), Snowstorm (6).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| 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 |
Showing the 10 most recent of 22 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Newport County?
Newport County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 36.4 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 36th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Newport County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hurricane (Low, $2M EAL), Coastal Flood (Medium, $754K EAL), Earthquake (Very Low, $483K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Newport County compare to other Rhode Island counties?
Newport County ranks #4 of 5 Rhode Island counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Newport County had?
FEMA records 22 federal disaster declarations for Newport County since 1978, most often 8 for hurricane events and 6 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding, declared in March 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. Newport County's $14M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.