Natural Disaster Risk in Bethlehem

Natural Hazard Profile: Bethlehem, New Hampshire

Located along the northeastern Atlantic Seaboard in Grafton County, Bethlehem is a town of roughly 2,573 residents. The humid continental climate that characterizes this part of New Hampshire — marked by long, cold winters and brief, warm summers — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Bethlehem a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

FEMA rates Bethlehem's composite natural disaster risk at 6.2 out of 10 — high risk. Landslide and debris flow risk tops the local hazard profile, with steep terrain and periodic heavy rainfall creating conditions for rapid slope failure in vulnerable areas. Residents should also account for avalanche and winter risk in their preparedness planning.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Bethlehem's natural disaster risk is above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, near the 6.2/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by landslide and avalanche, as measured by FEMA across Grafton County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

Bethlehem'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.