Natural Disaster Risk in Jefferson

Natural Hazard Profile: Jefferson, Pennsylvania

Jefferson is a small community of about 1,541 in Greene County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences cold winters, warm summers, and four distinct seasons, with nor'easter exposure and spring river 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 Jefferson.

FEMA rates Jefferson's composite natural disaster risk at 5.2 out of 10 — moderate risk. The area faces significant landslide risk, where mountainous topography and saturated soils during wet periods combine to create hazardous mass movement conditions. Residents should also account for avalanche and hurricane risk in their preparedness planning.

Jefferson's risk score, slightly below the 5.9/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Greene County, the highest-scoring are landslide, avalanche, and hurricane. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Jefferson residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for landslide is recommended.