Potter County

Pennsylvania — Natural Disaster Risk Assessment

Very Low

Composite Risk Score

28.1

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

Expected Annual Loss $8M Annualized county-level EAL
Social Vulnerability High Population sensitivity
Community Resilience High Capacity to recover
Population 16K Latest estimate

Top Hazards

Landslide
Low $20K/yr
Avalanche
Very Low $2K/yr
Hurricane
Very Low $136K/yr

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

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.

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.