Natural Disaster Risk in New Bethlehem
Pennsylvania
Risk Summary for New Bethlehem
New Bethlehem scores 4.8/10 (Moderate risk), near the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Avalanche.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
New Bethlehem, in Clarion County, is a town of roughly 4,513 residents situated in the Great Lakes region. Its humid continental climate brings cold winters, warm summers, and four distinct seasons, and in particular nor'easter exposure and spring river flooding. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that New Bethlehem residents and property owners must navigate.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, New Bethlehem carries an overall risk score of 4.8/10, placing it in the moderate category. Avalanche risk is the dominant natural hazard, with steep mountain terrain and heavy seasonal snowpack creating conditions for dangerous snow slides in and around the area. The area also faces notable exposure to lightning and hurricane.
Within Pennsylvania, New Bethlehem's risk is, slightly below the 5.9/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Clarion County identifies avalanche as the foremost hazard, followed by lightning and hurricane. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
New Bethlehem's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that avalanche exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.
What this means for New Bethlehem: Avalanche preparedness
- Properties in runout zones may require specialized hazard assessment and insurance.
- Check avalanche forecasts before backcountry travel and carry a beacon, probe, and shovel.
- Be aware of slope angles and recent snow loading, which drive avalanche risk.
Local Factors for New Bethlehem
These city-level factors differentiate New Bethlehem from other communities in Clarion County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
4,513
Small TownGeographic Zone
Great Lakes
Lake-effect snow & wind risk
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 41.0°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 2.7/10
Coordinates
41.0031° N, 79.3548° W
Clarion 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 New Bethlehem
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in New Bethlehem
Other cities in Pennsylvania
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.