Natural Disaster Risk in Oak Bluffs
Massachusetts
Risk Summary for Oak Bluffs
Oak Bluffs scores 3.6/10 (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: Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
Oak Bluffs, in Dukes County, is a small community of about 1,250 situated along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard. Its humid continental climate brings cold winters with heavy snowfall and warm summers, and in particular nor'easter storms bringing heavy snow and coastal flooding. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Oak Bluffs residents and property owners must navigate.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Oak Bluffs carries an overall risk score of 3.6/10, placing it in the low category. Coastal flooding is the dominant hazard, with storm surge from tropical systems and nor'easters capable of inundating low-lying shoreline areas well above normal tidal levels. The area also faces notable exposure to hurricane and tsunami.
Within Massachusetts, Oak Bluffs's risk is, considerably below the 6.5/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks below the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Dukes County identifies coastal flood as the foremost hazard, followed by hurricane and tsunami. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
Despite its lower-than-average risk classification, Oak Bluffs 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 Oak Bluffs: Coastal Flooding preparedness
- Elevate utilities and consider flood-resistant construction in low-lying shoreline areas.
- 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.
Local Factors for Oak Bluffs
These city-level factors differentiate Oak Bluffs from other communities in Dukes County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
1,250
Small TownGeographic Zone
Atlantic Coast
Hurricane, nor'easter & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 41.4°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 3.7/10
Coordinates
41.4422° N, 70.5665° W
Dukes County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Oak Bluffs
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Oak Bluffs
Other cities in Massachusetts
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.