Natural Disaster Risk in Nantucket County
Massachusetts
Risk Summary for Nantucket County
Nantucket County scores 3.3/10 (Low risk), below the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Coastal Flooding.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Below-average risk — standard coverage likely adequate
Natural disaster risk here is below the US average. Standard homeowners insurance will typically be sufficient, but it is still worth reviewing exclusions for floods and earthquakes.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Nantucket County, Massachusetts
Nantucket County is located in the United States in Massachusetts, home to roughly 14,255 residents. The county experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall and warm summers, with nor'easter storms bringing heavy snow and coastal flooding shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.
FEMA rates Nantucket County's composite natural disaster risk at 3.3 out of 10 — low risk. The risk of coastal inundation tops the local hazard profile, with the area exposed to storm surge, tidal flooding, and wave action during major coastal storm events. Residents should also account for hurricane and tsunami risk in their preparedness planning.
Nantucket County's risk score, considerably below the 6.5/10 state average and below the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Nantucket County, the highest-scoring are coastal flood, hurricane, and tsunami. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Despite its lower-than-average risk classification, Nantucket County is not immune to natural hazards. Basic preparedness — an emergency kit, awareness of seasonal risks, and property insurance that covers coastal flood — remains prudent for all residents.
What this means for Nantucket County: Coastal Flooding preparedness
- Coastal flood and storm-surge damage requires separate flood insurance, not standard homeowners coverage.
- Know your evacuation zone and monitor tidal and surge forecasts during coastal storms.
- Elevate utilities and consider flood-resistant construction in low-lying shoreline areas.
Cities in Nantucket County
ZIP codes in Nantucket County
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. For informational purposes only.