Natural Disaster Risk in Centerville

Natural Hazard Profile: Centerville, Massachusetts

Centerville is a city of approximately 11,685 residents in Barnstable County, along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard. The area experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall and warm summers, with nor'easter storms bringing heavy snow and coastal flooding 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 Centerville.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Centerville carries an overall risk score of 6.2/10, placing it in the high category. Coastal flood risk defines the local natural hazard environment, with sea-level rise trends gradually increasing the frequency of tidal flooding events alongside storm surge threats. The area also faces notable exposure to hurricane and lightning.

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

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Centerville residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for coastal flood and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.