Natural Disaster Risk in Hagerstown

Natural Hazard Profile: Hagerstown, Maryland

Hagerstown is a city of 64,792 residents in Washington County, along the mid-Atlantic coast. The area experiences warm summers, mild winters, and coastal storm exposure, with tropical storm and nor'easter impacts shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Hagerstown.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Hagerstown carries an overall risk score of 6.8/10, placing it in the high category. Hurricane risk defines the natural hazard environment here, requiring residents to maintain seasonal preparedness plans and insurance coverage for wind and flood damage. The area also faces notable exposure to drought and avalanche.

Hagerstown's risk score, near the 6.5/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Washington County, the highest-scoring are hurricane, drought, and avalanche. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Hagerstown's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.