Natural Disaster Risk in South Walpole
Massachusetts
Risk Summary for South Walpole
South Walpole scores 7.0/10 (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 Walpole, Massachusetts
South Walpole, in Norfolk County, is a small community of about 2,089 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 Walpole residents and property owners must navigate.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, South Walpole carries an overall risk score of 7.0/10, placing it in the high 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 earthquake.
Within Massachusetts, South Walpole's risk is, slightly above the 6.5/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Norfolk County identifies coastal flood as the foremost hazard, followed by hurricane and earthquake. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
South Walpole'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.
What this means for South Walpole: 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 Walpole
These city-level factors differentiate South Walpole from other communities in Norfolk County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
2,089
Small TownGeographic Zone
Atlantic Coast
Hurricane, nor'easter & coastal flood risk
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 42.1°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 5.6/10
Coordinates
42.1039° N, 71.2700° W
Norfolk 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 Walpole
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in South Walpole
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.