Aroostook County

Maine — Natural Disaster Risk Assessment

Low

Composite Risk Score

80.4

National percentile: 80th

Aroostook County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 80.4, 80th national percentile), driven primarily by winter weather and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $35M.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025

Expected Annual Loss $35M Annualized county-level EAL
Social Vulnerability High Population sensitivity
Community Resilience Medium Capacity to recover
Population 67K Latest estimate

Top Hazards

Winter Weather
Very High $2M/yr
Cold Wave
High $15M/yr
Hurricane
Medium $2M/yr

All 18 Hazard Risks

Winter Weather Very High 29.67 / yr $2M
Cold Wave High 9.11 / yr $15M
Hurricane Medium 0.06 / yr $2M
Landslide Low 2.32 / yr $13K
Earthquake Low 0.00 / yr $1M
Riverine Flood Medium 3.25 / yr $14M
Ice Storm Medium 0.12 / yr $165K
Strong Wind Medium 0.70 / yr $498K
Lightning Low 16.60 / yr $206K
Avalanche Very Low 0.01 / yr $277
Drought Low 1.71 / yr $68K
Hail Very Low 0.27 / yr $86K
Wildfire Very Low 0.00 / yr $9K
Tornado Very Low 0.25 / yr $125K
Heat Wave Very Low 0.40 / yr $28K
Coastal Flood Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Tsunami Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Volcanic Activity Very Low 0.00 / yr $0

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall natural disaster risk for Aroostook County?

Aroostook County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 80.4 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 80th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.

What are the top natural hazards in Aroostook County?

The three highest-rated hazards are Winter Weather (Very High, $2M EAL), Cold Wave (High, $15M EAL), Hurricane (Medium, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.

How does Aroostook County compare to other Maine counties?

Aroostook County ranks #2 of 16 Maine counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.

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. Aroostook County's $35M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.