Natural Disaster Risk in South Dennis
Massachusetts
Risk Summary for South Dennis
South Dennis scores 6.2/10 (High risk), above 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
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: South Dennis, Massachusetts
South Dennis, in Barnstable County, is a town of roughly 6,381 residents 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 South Dennis residents and property owners must navigate.
South Dennis's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.2/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. 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. Secondary hazards include hurricane and lightning.
Within Massachusetts, South Dennis's risk is, near the 6.5/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Barnstable County identifies coastal flood as the foremost hazard, followed by hurricane and lightning. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
With a high natural disaster risk rating, South Dennis 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.
What this means for South Dennis: 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 South Dennis
These city-level factors differentiate South Dennis from other communities in Barnstable County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
6,381
Small TownGeographic Zone
Atlantic Coast
Hurricane, nor'easter & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 41.7°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 5.9/10
Coordinates
41.7083° N, 70.1552° W
Barnstable 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 South Dennis
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in South Dennis
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.