Natural Disaster Risk in Vineyard Haven
Massachusetts
Risk Summary for Vineyard Haven
Vineyard Haven 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: Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
Vineyard Haven is a town of roughly 9,412 residents in Dukes 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 Vineyard Haven.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Vineyard Haven carries an overall risk score of 3.6/10, placing it in the low 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 tsunami.
Vineyard Haven'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 Dukes 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.
Vineyard Haven carries a below-average natural disaster risk, reflecting fewer and less severe hazard exposures than typical U.S. communities. Even so, the area's primary risk — coastal flood — warrants awareness and appropriate insurance coverage, as lower risk does not mean zero risk.
What this means for Vineyard Haven: 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.
Local Factors for Vineyard Haven
These city-level factors differentiate Vineyard Haven from other communities in Dukes County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
9,412
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
41.4434° N, 70.6153° 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 Vineyard Haven
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Vineyard Haven
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.